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BOSTON 





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price, 50 Cents? <£acl) 


THF AMA70NS P arce in Three Acts. Seven males, five females, 
lilt* ilIIlAf<WLw Costumes, modern ; scenery, not difficult. Plays 

a full evening. 

THE CABINET MINISTER 


Farce in Four Acts. Ten males, nine 
females. Costumes, modern society; 
scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. 


mrir Farce in Three Acts. Seven males, four females. 
Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors. Plays 
two hours and a half. 

THE fiAY LORD QUEX Comedy iu.Four Act.. Pour males, ten 

" ^ females. Costumes, modern; scenery, 

two interiors and an. exterior. Plays a full evening. 

HIS HOUSE IN ORDER ? om ! dyin J°f ActS - Nine males, four 

--w ' ** females. Costumes, modern; scenery, 

three interiors. Plays a full evening. 

THF HOBBY HORSF Comed y 111 111166 Acts. Ten males, five 

iui< iiVlWl Lt f ema i OS4 Costumes, modern; scenery easy. 

Plays two hours and a half. 

IRIS ^ rama 111 ^ lve Acts. Seven males, seven females. Costumes, 
modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. 

I AHY ROMTIFITI * n ■ Four Acts. Eight males, seven fe- 
** ^ males. Costumes, modern; scenery, four in¬ 

teriors, not easy. Plays a full evening. 

I FTTY E> rama ln Pour Acts and an Epilogue. Ten males, five fe- 
m^lei Costumes, modern; scenery complicated. Plays a 
full evening • \ 


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No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 













Cheery Comedies for 
Christmas 

A Collection of Plays, Pantomimes, Tableaux, 
Readings, Recitations, Illustrated Poems, etc., 
Suitable for Use at Christmas 


By 

Edith M. Burrows , Gertrude M. Henderson 
and others 


BOSTON 

WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 
1915 





Cheery Comedies for Christmas 


CONTENTS 


The Awakening of Christmas. Twenty-three boys and thirty- 
two girls. 

A Christmas Strike. Four boys and three girls. 

Santa’s Surprise. Thirty-three children [a smaller number will 
answer) and a man to impersonate Santa Claus. 

The Syndicated Santa Claus. Three males, two females 
{adults), who speak, and any number of children. 

Kriss Kringle’s Panorama. Consisting of tableau, recitations, 
etc. 



Copyright, 1915, by Walter H. Baker & Co. 

©CI.D 41881 


Q£T -2 1915 


K~Of . 





The Awakening of Christmas 

An Operetta for Children 


Edith M. Burrows 


The Awakening of Christmas 


Far away in the Heart of the World, the Spirit of Christmas is 
sleeping, destined to be awakened by the Christmas Feelings which 
make their way into the Heart of the World. Evening Star, 
Wind-in-the-Pine-Trees, Moonshine, Snowflakes and Sleighbells 
suggest the season and begin the awakening. Breath-of-Balsam, 
Holly, Mistletoe, Yule-Log Sprites and Candles bring their gifts of 
fragrance, color, warmth and light, while Christmas Trees, Stock¬ 
ings, Kind-Thought-Gifts, Children, Dreams and Carols complete 
the awakening of the Spirit of Christmas. Then the Heart of the 
World becomes the scene of joyous celebrations. 

Scene. —The Heart of the World. 

Time. —Once every year. 


CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Evening Star. 

Wind-in-the-Pine-Trees. 

Moonshine. 

Snowflakes. 

Sleighbells. 

Breath-of-Balsam. 

Holly. 

Mistletoe. 

Yule-Log Sprites. 

Candles. 

Christmas Trees. 
Stockings. 
Kind-Thought-Gifts. 
Children. 

Dreams. 

Carols. 

Spirit of Christmas. 


4 



COSTUMES 

Evening Star wears a straight, long robe of amethyst color, 
veiled with filmy gray, and a light chiffon scarf of the palest yellow 
to suggest the dying sunset colors. On her head is a narrow gold 
crown with a large gold star in the center. 

Wind-in-the-Pine-Trees wears a long robe of grayish-brown, 
suggestive of tree-trunks and a scarf of soft, deep green which is 
draped over her outstretched arms. 

Moonshine wears a long robe of dark gray-blue, partially con¬ 
cealed by silver-spangled scarfs which hang down from her 
shoulders. 

Snowflakes. Six small girls should be chosen for this part, 
and they wear very short, straight Greek dresses, hanging from the 
shoulders and leaving their arms bare. The dresses are white and 
perfectly plain. 

Sleighbells. Six small boys wear elf suits of gray and small 
round caps of gray trimmed around the edges with small bells. 
They carry sleighbells which they ring in their song. 

Breath-of-Balsam wears a long, straight robe of dark green 
and carries an armful of fragrant balsam boughs. A fair-haired 
girl should be chosen for this part. 

Hollvt and Mistletoe wear straight white Greek gowns, sleeve¬ 
less and trimmed with sprays of holly and mistletoe respectively. 
They both carry large bunches of the plant they represent. 

Yule-Log Sprites. Four or six rather small boys who wear 
elf suits of wood-brown and tall pointed caps of red and yellow to 
represent flames. They carry, swung by ropes over their shoul¬ 
ders, a huge Yule-log on which they later sit. 

Candles. Six tiny girls who wear straight, long white dresses 
and flame-caps of red and yellow. 

Christmas Trees. Two girls of medium size who wear the 
same kind of costume as that worn by Breath-of-Balsam. They 
also carry evergreen branches, but their evergreens are decorated 
with tinsel and Christmas-Tree ornaments. 

Stockings. Two boys of medium size, wearing costumes of 
black muslin cut in the shape of stockings and stuffed out in 
bumpy and knobby shapes, with openings at the top for the boys’ 
heads and in the bottom for their feet so that they may walk. 

Kind-Thought-Gifts. Four children, two girls and two boys, 
may represent these gifts. Their bodies are wrapped up in white 
tissue paper, leaving their legs and arms free, to represent Christ¬ 
mas packages, and they are tied with red ribbon bows and deco¬ 
rated with sprays of holly to give the desired festive effect. One 
of the children may actually be enclosed in a box, tied with red 
ribbons and decorated with holly. 


5 


6 


NOTE REGARDING COSTUMES 


Children. Four small children of varying sizes with night¬ 
gowns or pajamas on, and carrying lighted candles, dolls, teddy- 
bears, etc., make a typical Christmas-eve suggestion. 

Dreams. Six little girls, especially graceful dancers, wear 
Greek costumes of filmy gray with veils of gray even over their 
heads and arms so that they are never clearly or sharply seen. 

Carols. Six children, boys and girls, with especially good, 
voices; the girls wear white Greek costumes (short), and the boys, 
white page suits. All the costumes are decorated with black notes 
of music, musical symbols, etc. 

Spirit of Christmas wears a perfectly plain, long robe of 
white, built on Greek lines; from her shoulders hangs a long 
mantle with a court train which also is white and edged with white 
cotton, thickly sprinkled with sparkling Christmas powder so that 
it gives a radiant appearance to her costume. If something more 
elaborate is desired, swansdown may be substituted for the cotton 
trimming. On her head is a plain, narrow crown of silver tinsel, 
and she carries a sceptre of silver, wound with silver tinsel and 
tipped with a silver tinsel Christmas star. 


NOTE REGARDING COSTUMES 

All of the girls’ costumes in the play may be made very simply 
and inexpensively of wide cheese-cloth, in one piece, with a hole 
cut for the head. This garment, worn over an underslip of cheese¬ 
cloth, is really most graceful. Lovely and inexpensive color effects 
may be obtained by dyeing the cloth used to the soft colors de¬ 
sired ; beautiful shaded effects may thus be obtained and it is not 
necessary to boil the dye. 


NOTE REGARDING CHARACTERS 

The parts of Evening Star, Wind-in-the-Pine-Trees, Moon¬ 
shine, Breath-of-Balsam and Spirit of Christmas ought to be taken 
by older girls and the other parts may be taken by children as 
indicated. 

NOTE REGARDING MUSIC 

The music called for by this operetta is all familiar, and if not to 
be found in the house or memory should easily be supplied by the 
nearest music dealer. If it cannot be thus found, the publishers 
will be glad to quote prices on application. 


The Awakening of Christmas 


{The curtain rises disclosing the Heart of the World , a mys¬ 
terious , dimly-lighted , cavernous place whose walls are hung 
with branches of evergreen. Among these evergreens are 
concealed dozens of tiny electric lamps , such as are used on 
Christmas trees , which flash out later and make of the 
cavern a fairy-like bower. At the center back of stage , is a 
raised platform on which is a divan covered with evergreens. 
The platform is covered with dark green material so that 
both it and the divan on it blend with the background and 
are not easily distinguishable at first. On the divan } sup¬ 
ported by many pillows of dark green and braced so that she 
faces the audience , reclines the sleeping Spirit of Christ¬ 
mas. Over her are lightly thrown six concealing veils of 
white net , so that at first a draped figure only is visible. 
As the play progresses the veils of net are removed at inter¬ 
vals by the different Christmas Feelings , so that the sleep¬ 
ing Spirit of Christmas is fully revealed only just a short 
time before the awakening. There are entrances to the 
cavern Heart of the World through evergreen branches — 
right and left. The floor and platform are thickly strewn 
with fragrant pine needles.—This stage-setting has been 
tried out by the author and is known to be practical as well 
as pleasing.) 

{Opening Chorus , off stage.) 

THE HEART OF THE WORLD 
( Tune,—“ The Dearest Spot On Earth to Me. 1 ') 

All. Mysterious bower that we love, 

Heart of the World, 

Where we return tho’ far we rove, 

Heart of the World. 

Where there’s joy and never weeping, 

Where the Christmas Spirit’s sleeping, 

There our faithful watch we’re keeping, 

Heart of the World. 


7 



8 


THE AWAKENING OF CHRISTMAS 


(At the end of this song enter Evening Star and Wind-in - 
the-Pine-Trees from right and left respectively. A 
faint light enters with Evening Star who moves very 
slowly. Wind-in-the-Pine-Trees keeps her arms sway¬ 
ing as she talks and sings.) 

Star. Oh, Wind-in-the-Pine-Trees, I greet you ! 

Wind. And to you, Evening Star, my good-will. Again 
we are the first of the Christmas Feelings to enter the Heart of 
the World where yet the Christmas Spirit is asleep. 

Star. Each year ’tis so, but soon the others will join us. 
Meanwhile, we have our work to do. 

EVENING STAR SONG 
( [Tune,—“ Stars of the Summer Night.”) 

Star. From the bright heavens fair, 

I send my beams afar. 

And whisper as I gleam: 

“lam the Christmas Star, 

I am, I am the Christmas Star.'* 

Wind That is a lovely message, oh Evening Star. I, too, 
am doing my part. 

WIND SONG 

( Tune ,—“ Sweet and Low.”) 

Wind (swaying slowly). 

Gentle, shy, soft and sweet, 

Wind-in-the-Pine-Trees blows. 

(Swaying Boisterous, high, rough and fleet, 
fast.) Wind-in-the-Pine-Trees blows. 

Blowing the message that Christmas is near, 
Blowing the message that Christmas is here, 

And they listen, ho, 

Yes, they listen so, 

As I blow. 

Enter Moonshine, right, bringing a little more light with her . 

Moon. My greetings, sisters. I heard you calling and 1 
came. 


THE AWAKENING OF CHRISTMAS 


9 


Star. Fair Moonshine, you are ever welcome. 

Wind. And now that you have come, and brought your 
light, shall we proceed to do our part toward the awakening of 
the Christmas Spirit ? 

Others. Yes, yes. 

(They all approach the sleeping figure and gently remove one 
veil as they sing the following trio.') 


OH, LOVELY SPIRIT 

( Tune ,—“ Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes.") 

Moon—Star—W ind. 

Oh, lovely Spirit, canst thou hear 
Our voices raised to thee ? 

When wilt thou wake and gaze on us 
That we may happy be ? 

This old world’s heart is lonely now, 

But shall no longer be, 

No longer empty be or sad, 

’Tis waiting but for thee. 

(A full chorus off-stage takes up this song and repeats the 
last four lines. The three characters on the stage take up 
their positions at the right of the divan as the sound of 
sleighbells is heard , and the Snowflakes and Sleighbells 
enter from the left; the Snowflakes take the center of the 
stage fir sty the Sleighbells lining up in back of them.) 

SNOWFLAKE SONG 
( Tune y —‘* Sleep, Baby } Sleep .”) 

Snow {lightly). 

Snowflakes are we, 

So light, so gay, so free, 

And as upon the earth we fall, 

Just listen, and you’ll hear us call;— 

“ Christmas we sing, 

Christmas we bring.” 

(The ranks of the Snowflakes part in the center and the 
Sleighbells come between them to the front of the stage.) 


10 


THE AWAKENING OF CHRISTMAS 


SLEIGHBELL SONG 
(Tune,—“Jingle Bells.' 1 ) 

Bells (gaily, jingling bells). 

Ringing as we go, 

Showing our delight, 

Following the snow 

O’er the ground so white. 

See we gaily ring, 

Glad and loud and clear, 

Hear us as we merrily sing, 

For Christmas joys are near. 

Ring ye bells, sing ye bells, 

Ring and sing away, 

Oh, how glad we are that soon 
Dear Christmas will hold sway. 

(Full chorus repeats the last four lines. A merry little 
dance takes place in which Snowflakes and Sleighbells 
skip about together to the music of “Jingle Bells" and 
the ringing of the bells. At the end of this dance, the 
Snowflakes and Sleighbells approach the sleeping 
Spirit and remove the second veil. The Sleighbells then 
take up a position at the right of the divan while the 
Snowflakes range themselves at the left.) 

Enter from the right Breath-of-Balsam. 

A Snowflake (not seeing her). I smellaChristmasy smell! 
What can it be ? 

A Sleighbell. Breath-of-Balsam with her evergreen fra¬ 
grance has come. 

Balsam. Yes, another year I have come to meet with you 
in the Heart of the World and help to rouse the Christmas 
Spirit. 

BREATH-OF-BALSAM SONG 
(Tune,—“ Believe me, if all those endearing young charms.") 

Balsam. 

From the evergreen branches a fragrance so sweet 
Softly’s stealing o’er all the fair earth, 

And it whispers in passing a message so fleet; 

“ ’Tis the season of gladness and mirth, 


THE AWAKENING OF CHRISTMAS 


II 


There is peace and good-will in the world’s heart to-day, 
There is fellowship for every life, 

There is love in abundance, so let us, we pray, 

Cease now from unkindness and strife.” 

(At the end of her song she lays a branch of evergreen at the 
foot of the divan and then stands at left of divan , back of 
the Snowflakes. Enter from the left , Holly and Mis¬ 
tletoe ; they move toward the center of the stage and, 
facing each other in front of the divan , sing their duet.) 

HOLLY AND MISTLETOE DUET 
(Tune ,—“ My Bonnie.”) 

Holly and Mistletoe. 

We hail thee, fair Spirit of Christmas, 

And ye, Christmas Feelings, we hail. 

Our berries are emblems of gladness, 

Of joys may this season ne’er fail! 

Holly, Mistletoe, 

See the bright berries we bring, we bring, 

Holly, Mistletoe, 

As praises of Christmas we sing ! 

(At the close of their song they lay sprays of holly and mis¬ 
tletoe at the foot of the divan and then remove the third 
veil , finally taki?ig a position at the left of divan , near 
Breath-of-Balsam.) 

Moon. You have brought Christmas fragrance and color 
into the Heart of the World, gentle newcomers; it seems a bet¬ 
ter place since you have come. 

Star. Indeed, yes—but see! Here come the gay Yule- 
Log Sprites; now we shall have the warmth of their blaze. 

Enter from the right the jolly little Yule-Log Sprites, pranc¬ 
ing to the music of their song. 

SONG OF THE YULE-LOG SPRITES 
(Tune ,—“ Rig-a-Jig.”) 

Sprites. Our blaze is bright and fair to see, 

Oh, snap and leap and crackle-o ! 

We dance and bound and jump with glee, 

Oh, snap and crackle-o ! 


12 


THE AWAKENING OF CHRISTMAS 


(Suiting action to words.) 

Then dance and bound and way up we go I 
And up we go, and up we go ! 

Then dance and bound and way up we go ! 

Oh, snap and crackle-o ! 

(The Yule-Log Sprites drag their log to the right of divan 
and sit upon or near the log, while the full chorus repeats 
the following .) 

Chorus. Then dance and bound and way up they go ! 

And up they go, and up they go ! 

Then dance and bound and way up they go ! 

Oh, snap and crackle-o I 

Enter from the left the Candles. Immediately all the electric 
lamps , concealed among the evergreens, flash out and the 
stage is lighted by them during the remainder of the play. 

Balsam (as Candles enter). Look ! the Christmas Can¬ 
dles ! Now we shall have light. 

CANDLE SONG 
(Tune,—“ The Quilting Party.") 

Candles. For this happy moment waiting, 

We have passed a whole long year, 

Now with all our soft light golden gleaming, 

We salute thee, Christmas dear. 

We salute thee, Christmas dear, 

We salute thee, Christmas dear, 

Now with all our soft light golden gleaming, 

We salute thee, Christmas dear ! 

Moon. Dear little Christmas Candles, you are welcome 
always, and your gift of light brings cheer into the Heart of the 
World. 

(The Candles remove a fourth veil from the Spirit, and 
then take their places left of divan, opposite the Yule-Log 
Sprites.) 

Balsam. Ah, here come my friends the Christmas Trees at 
last! 

Enter the Christmas Trees fro?n the right. 


THE AWAKENING OF CHRISTMAS 13 

A Tree. From our home in the forest we have traveled to 
the cities and towns with our message of Christmas joys, and 
now we have reached the Heart of the World. 

CHRISTMAS TREE SONG 
(Tune ,—“ Those Evening Bells.”) 

Trees. From forest wild, from woodland home, 

To serve dear Christmas have we come. 

In fragrant robes of evergreen 
We wait the candles’ glowing sheen, 

And raise our voices loud and clear, 

In praise, in praise of Christmas dear ! 

(The Trees move to the right of the divan , and as they do 
so they spy the Stockings who enter from the left .) 

A Tree. Hello, Stockings, now we are happy ! 

A Stocking. And so are we to be here again and greet 
you all. 

SONG OF THE CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS 
(Tune, — “Cornin' Thro' the Rye.”) 

Stockings (gaily). 

We are merry Christmas Stockings, 

Full of joys are we. 

Hear our question, teasing, mocking, 

How’Id you like to be 
Happy child on Christmas morning, 

So that you could see 
All our gifts? You’d not be scorning, 

Ah, no, you’d laugh with glee ! 

( The Stockings take their places at the left of divan as the 
Kind-Thought-Gifts enter from the right.) 

Holly. You love to tease, don’t you, Stockings ? But we 
shall not have to wait to see your gifts to satisfy our curiosity, 
for here come the Kind-Thought-Gifts. 

A Gift. Greetings, Christmas Feelings all; we bring the 
spirit of love and kind thoughts with us to the Heart of the 
World. 


THE AWAKENING OF CHRISTMAS 


H 


SONG OF THE KIND-THOUGHT-GIFTS 
(Tune ,—“ The Miller of the Dee.”) 

Gifts. We are the Kind-Thought-Christmas-Gifts, 

We’re made with loving care, 

We’re woven through with kindest thoughts, 

Our spirit’s very fair. 

We love to make our Christmas trips, 

From friend to friend we go, 

And to all people that we meet 
The way of kindness show. 

(The Gifts remove the fifth veil from the Spirit and take a 
position at the right of the divan as the Children patter 
in from the left , sleepily rubbing their eyes a?id yawning.) 

A Child. Ooh ! How sleepy I am ! 

Second Child. So am I, but there’s such an exciting holi¬ 
day spirit here in the Heart of the World, where all the Christ¬ 
mas Feelings are, that we just can’t sleep yet. 

Mistletoe. Tell us, O Christmas Children, of your part 
in waking the Christmas Spirit. 

SONG OF THE CHRISTMAS CHILDREN 
( Tune ,—“ Upidee. ”) 

Children (gleefully). 

We’ve written notes to Santa Claus, 

Goody, goody-oh ! 

And hung our stockings up because, 

Goody, goody-oh ! 

Can’t you guess what we’re going to say? 

Because ,’twill soon be Christmas day ! 

Day of sugar-plums and toys, 

Goody-oh, goody-oh ! 

Day of mirth and day of joys, 

Goody, goody-oh ! 

(Again they rub their eyes very sleepily and as the Dreams 
steal softly in from the right , the Children move slowly 
to the left and then sink down as if overcome with sleep.) 

Moon (surprised). Why, what’s the matter with the 
Children ? 


THE AWAKENING OF CHRISTMAS 15 

Star (with finger to her lips). Hush—the Christmas 
Dreams are here. 

(-During the Dream song and until the Carols come in, all 
the characters on the stage act as if overcome with sleep , 
with heads resting on their hands and with eyes closed.) 

SONG OF THE CHRISTMAS DREAMS 
(Tune, — “Sleep, Beloved, Sleep .”) 

Dreams (very softly). 

Christmas Dreams are we, 

Sweetest that can be, 

Dreams of happiness and mirth, 

Dreams of good-will on the earth; 

In your sleep all softly stealing, 

So we bring the Christmas feeling, 

Fairest, sweetest that can be, 

Christmas Dreams are we. 

(The Dreams move very gently toward the Spirit and re¬ 
move the last veil, fully revealing her sleeping figure; 
then they move to the right of the divan as the Carols 
gaily enter from the left.) 

A Carol (surprised). What’s this? Everybody asleep? 
Well, we’ll soon wake them ! 

SONG OF THE CHRISTMAS CAROLS 
(Tune ,—“ There's Music in the Air.") 

Carols (with spirit). 

Come wake and hear our song ! 

’Tis a strain we would prolong. 

We bring you tidings gay, 

Of awak’ning Christmas Day. 

Let us speed our message sweet, 

’Til it flies on wings so fleet, 

Telling hearts that day soon breaks 
For Christmas now awakes. 

(During this song the characters all wake; the Children 
stretch and rise from the ground; the Yule-Log Sprites 
rise from their log and all on the stage join in repeating:) 


1 6 THE AWAKENING OF CHRISTMAS 

Chorus. Let us speed our message sweet, 

’Til it flies on wings so fleet, 

Telling hearts that day soon breaks 
For Christmas now awakes. 

(.During this chorus the Spirit of Christmas opens her 
eyes , moves , and then sits up . At the end of the song she 
rises and waves her hand. All the Christmas Feelings 
sink to their knees as she sings.') 

SONG OF CHRISTMAS 
( Tune t —‘‘ Silent Night .’ ’) 

Spirit (softly). 

Peace on earth, sweet good-will! 

Out of frosty darkness still, 

From the silent realms above, 

Bringing gifts of Heavenly love, 

Christmas comes to you, 

Christmas comes to you. 

All (joyfully). 

Peace on earth, sweet good-will, 

Out of frosty darkness still, 

From the silent realms above, 

Bringing gifts Of Heavenly love, 

Christmas comes to us, 

Christmas comes to us. 


CURTAIN 


A Christmas Strike 

A Play for Christmas for Four Boys 
and Three Girls 


A Christmas Strike 


CHARACTERS 

Cold Weather, a boy about fifteen. 
Snowflake, a girl about eight. 

Log Fire, a boy of small size. 
Christmas Present, a girl about ten. 
Christmas Stocking, a boy about eight. 
Christmas Tree, a boy about fourteen. 
Christmas Spirit, a girl about fifteen. 




COSTUMES 

Cold Weather. A fur cap, fur overcoat, fur gloves, arctics, 
collarette made to represent icicles, mustache dipped in paraffine 
to represent frost. 

Snowflake. A white cap and dress, white shoes and stock¬ 
ings. Cap and dress to be covered with cotton batten arranged 
to represent snow. 

Log Fire. A red cap and suit partially covered with points of 
yellow to represent flames. Should carry log on which he sits. 

Christmas Present. Sheets of cardboard on front and back, 
covered with white paper, Christmas seals and large bow of red 
ribbon tied around. 

Christmas Stocking. Seated in large black stocking stuffed to 
keep shape. 

Christmas Tree. Cap and cloak of green to which are tied 
front and back boughs of Christmas tree. Interwoven among 
branches are tinsel, other Christmas ornaments, and electric lights, 
power of which is supplied by dry batteries carried under cloak. 
Lights should be run from a switch which can be turned on and off. 

Christmas Spirit. Grecian costume, flowing sleeves, etc., 
made of soft white material, trimmed with silver tinsel. She 
should wear in her hair a band of silver tinsel with a silver star in 
the center. 


l 9 








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A Christmas Strike 


SCENE.— Out-of-doors before the cave of the North Wind. 

Platform to be covered with snow, with two snow mounds 

upon which characters may sit. Time, the day before 

Christmas. 

(Scene opens: Cold Weather and Snowflake seated on 
the two snow mounds r. and l. of stage.) 

Cold Weather. Of all the trouble I ever saw this is the 
worst. North Wind off tooting somewhere, no one knows 
where; probably down at the Equator, that’s all the sense he 
has, and not a soul to carry me down to where men live. 

Snowflake. And I don’t see how I can go alone. I could 
fly, to be sure, but I’d be certain to melt away without you. 
But we must go. 

Cold Weather. Who says must, anyway? I reckon those 
humans could have one Christmas without cold weather. They 
could get along with just ordinary sort of days without our 
blustering down. 

Snowflake. Maybe so, but I think they’d feel rather queer. 

Enter Log Fire from r., carrying log which he deposits in 
center front of stage. 

Log Fire. Queer? Who says they’d feel queer? I think 
I’m the one to feel queer. Here I’ve been looking the whole 
morning for old Boreas and not a sign have I seen of him. 
(Sits down.) Jack Frost told me he’d agreed to meet him at 
nine o’clock the day before Christmas in order to get a good 
start. Here it is eleven and he’s gone off without him. 

Cold Weather (with excitement). Gone without him ! 
Well, that’s a nice howdy-do ! Why didn’t he look for me ? 

Snowflake. And me ? 


21 



22 


A CHRISTMAS STRIKE 


Log Fire. Well, Jack’s a queer old sprite, anyway, you 
know, and he thinks he’s going to have a lovely time nipping 
people’s noses and toeses when they’re not expecting him. 
Won’t he cut a figure dancing down the street and pulling the 
ears and fingers of some youngster out without mittens and cap ? 
Ha ! Ha ! 

Cold Weather. Well, you’re a cheerful piece, Log Fire. 
If I’d been treated the way you had by every one lately, I’d be 
grumpy as could be. 

Snowflake. ( aside to Log Fire). Doesn’t he think he is? 

Log Fire. What’s the use ! People don’t want me much 
any more, though some people pretend they like me ( standing 
with fingers thrust in vest ) to dress up and show off with. 
Folks don’t live with me the way they used to do. Log fire is 
out of date and people must be fashionable anyway. {Sighs.') 
But then some persons still like me and I believe many people 
would have me if they could, especially on Christmas eve. 

Cold Weather (with disgust). Shucks! Don’t fool your¬ 
self, people don’t want any of the good old things. (Log Fire 
bows and sits down.) They’re getting all sorts of high-fillutin 
notions. {Enter Christmas Present, Christmas Tree aiid 
Christmas Stocking. They silently group around and listen 
to the conversation , Christmas Present near Snowflake at l. ; 
Christmas Tree, r. c., back ; Christmas Stocking at ex¬ 
treme l., near Cold Weather.) Even Christmas Present has 
to be done up as if she were going to a summer party. 

Christmas Present. I should say so! First it’s tissue 
paper and holly, then it’s Christmas seals and cards and a white 
wrapper, with red ribbon. Such a fussing! People ought to 
be taught better. 

Christmas Stocking {piping in wee voice). They don’t do 
that with me. They put the same nuts and oranges and little 
wee things at the toe that they used to do. {Rather proudly.) 

Christmas Tree {with scorn). Oh, well, people don’t use 
you much nowadays anyway. They like me better. Only, 
even I, Christmas Tree, beautiful as I am with my green 
branches, have to be half covered with tinsel and pretty balls 
and electric lights. Would you believe it ? Electric lights ! 
{Flashes on lights which he turns on and off at intervals 
throughout play. ) Now, in the old times, they used to string 
cranberries and pop-corn and dress me all up in them and can¬ 
dles, and I must say I think I was quite as good-looking. 

Log Fire. Oh ! but you’re so pretty now. 


A CHRISTMAS STRIKE 


23 

Cold Weather (j meditatively ). I say, people, let's fix 
those humans up by having a strike ! 

CHR.STMAS Stocking. } What ’ sthat? 

Cold Weather ( patronizingly ). Well, you see, we all 
agree not to do our Christmas work this year, and then perhaps 
those humans will learn a lesson. 

Snowflake. Not go to their world ! 

Christmas Stocking. Not a Christmas stocking ! 

Log Fire. Oh, for shame ! 

Christmas Tree. A capital idea ! It’ll serve them right, 
then they’ll go back to their old customs. 

Christmas Present. And have simple presents such as the 
children want ? Aye, aye, I vote for it. 

Christmas Stocking. Do you think they’d have me more 
again ? 

Christmas Tree. Sure of it, leastwise people would who 
couldn’t afford me, and that’s lots ! 

Christmas Stocking. Then I’ll stay away. 

Log Fire. What would the children do? 

Snowflake. It would be so sad. 

Cold Weather ( 'to Snowflake). Well, you can’t go any¬ 
way. Even if you do agree with Log Fire, he wouldn’t help 
you to fly. So you can't go ! 

Log Fire. And there isn’t any use of my going alone ! 

Christmas Tree ( with enthusiasm). Hurrah—we’re free. 
Let’s have a holiday ! What shall we do? 

Christmas Present ( after a moment ). Let’s sing ! 

(Song follows in which all join , speaking words very clearly. 
And Christmas Spirit comes in quietly into the back¬ 
ground .) 

SONG 

( Tune,—“Jingle Bells .”) 

We’re free to have some fun; 

Now what shall it be ? 

Oh, we’ll skip and dance and run 
So very merrily. 

Let’s play some games all day, 

From now till it’s quite dark 

We’re free from doing Christmas work, 

Let’s have a jolly lark — 


H 


A CHRISTMAS STRIKE 


Chorus. Oh, how gay ! Oh, how gay ! 

Isn’t it great cheer? 

Those humans now will mend their way 
And sorry be this year. 

(Snowflake takes dancing steps in time to music 
across stage once during lines three aridfour , again dur¬ 
ing lines nine and ten.) 

Snowflake. But I don’t want them to be sorry—think of the 
poor little youngsters—so disappointed. 

Log Fire. I think they’ll be sad—and who wants a sad 
Christmas ? 

Christmas Stocking. It wouldn’t be much fun for us if 
we knew the children were unhappy. 

Christmas Present. Besides it isn’t the children’s fault 
we have become extravagant in our presents. They like sim¬ 
ple things. 

Christmas Tree. You’re right. They do love me. How 
they dance around me and act so happy! 

Cold Weather ( disgusted ). You people are all silly— 
you’re too sentimental for words. But ignore slowly and with 
thought ) still, I do love the children, and I must say I'd hate 
to disappoint them. 

Christmas Spirit ( stepping forward to R., front of stage, 
half facing audience ). I thought I could change your minds. 
You would all be unhappy at this blessed Christmas time in 
which Christendom has to be happy because Christ came to earth 
— not to help in the Christmas joy. 

All (in chorus with enthusiasm ). You’re right. 

Christmas Spirit. And then, friends, you’ve forgotten one 
thing, too, our dear old Santa ! 

All (looking at each other and nodding ). Oh, that’s true ! 

Christmas Spirit. Dear old Saint Nicholas—who for so 
many years has helped the world be happy—would feel so sad 
not to have your help. 

Cold Weather. We’ll have to help. 

Christmas Tree. If he needs me, I'll help. 

Christmas Stocking. And I. 

Christmas Present. And I. 

Log Fire. Me, too. ( After a moment rises and looks at 
clock .) I think it’s almost time for him now. 


A CHRISTMAS STRIKE 


25 


SONG 

(All sing, including Christmas Spirit, to tune of portion of 
“ Stein Song ” from “ The Prince of Filsen," beginning 
with “Here's to.") 

Where is our Santa Claus we love ? 

Now we are waiting here, 

Waiting to help in every way, 

That we can do each year. 

We are so glad he’s coming now, 

Coming to bring us joy, 

Happiness glad to each mortal soul, 

Joy for each girl and boy. 

(If Santa Claus does not appear at close , song should be 
repeated .) 


CURTAIN 


Santa’s Surprise 


A Christmas Exercise for Giving 


By JESSIE A. KELLEY 

Author of “ The Pedlers’ Parade 
“ Squire Judkin's Apple Beef etc . 



Santa’s Surprise 



Copyright, 


NOTE 


The play as given requires thirty-three children and a man to imperson¬ 
ate Santa Claus. The number of children taking part may be lessened if 
desired, any part being easily omitted without detriment to the other parts. 
Children may be in costume or not as preferred. Should costumes be 
wished both boys and girls could be dressed as fairies or brownies or the 
girls could be dressed as nurses, cooks, etc., the boys as marketmen, 
clerks, fruitmen and farmers. The songs and recitations suggested may be 
found in “ Christmas Celebrations,*’ by Joseph Sindelar. Price, 25 cents. 


1907, by Walter H. Baker & Co. 




Santa’s Surprise 


SCENE.— A platform . Santa Claus enters with empty sack 
over his shoulder . Two children are see?i peeping in at 
door . 

Santa Claus (. speaks ). 

Oh, dear ! oh, dear ! alack ! alack! 

Christmas is almost here, 

And here’s this great big empty sack, 

I cannot fill, I fear. 

Although I’ve worked with might and main, 

This whole long, glad year through, 

Of presents still I’ve not enough — 

Oh, dear, what shall I do ? 

For there are many little ones, 

In this broad land of ours, 

Whose lives are not all happiness, 

Whose pathway not all flowers. 

Some little hands are red with cold, 

Some little feet all bare, 

And some at this beautiful Christmas time, 

Will very poorly fare. 

Unless old Santa Claus comes with his pack, 

To make a visit there — 

But here’s the great, old empty sack, — 

I surely shall despair. 

So completely am I tired out, 

I sure must rest awhile. 

Perhaps after that I’ll find a way 
To make those children smile. 


3 



4 


santa’s surprise 


{Sits down in chair and falls asleep. The two children who 
have been listening at door tiptoe in , watching Santa all 
the while.) 

First Child. 

Oh, did you hear what he has said ? 

He doesn’t know what to do, 

For Christmas Eve is almost here, 

But still his work’s not through. 

Second Child. 

I’ll tell you what we’d better do, 

Oh, it will be such fun ! 

We’ll ask our friends to fill his sack — 

Come, hurry, let us run! 

(Both children run out. Children come in two by two, form 
in line back of Santa, then separate to form a semicircle. 
As they march they sing to the tune of “Lightly Row," 
Price , 30 cents.) 

Here we come, here we come, 

With hearts light and full of fun. 

If Santy should but move, 

We would surely run. 

Each and all, each and all, 

Baskets on our arms do bear. 

Thus we do Santy’s gifts 
Help him to prepare. 

A Child {steps forward and says). 

Let each one of us here, 

Show what we have brought; 

Hide it safe in Santa’s sack, 

Then leave before we’re caught. 

— - , won’t you be the first ? 

The rest then must make haste, 

If we’re to finish all our work 
No minutes can we waste. 

First Child {with mittens speaks , stepping to front beside 
Santa. As each child finishes his recitation , he places his 
donation in Santa’s pack and goes back to place). 



santa's surprise 


5 


Santy said some hands were red with cold, 
I hope they’ll be no more, 

For of mittens nice and soft and warm, 
I’ve brought a goodly store. 

Into his pack I’ll tuck them away, 

Then when he opens his eyes, 

And sees them all laid there so neat, 

Won’t it be a surprise ? 


The children, too, will be surprised, 
When on Christmas morn they find, 

The many gifts which Santy’s brought— 
The things for which they pined. 

I hope they’ll all remember, 

'Tis Christ’s birth we celebrate, 

And to his loving service. 

Their young lives dedicate. 

Second Child (with stockings). 

Some little feet are cold and bare, 
Perhaps these will help a few. 

And keep the little toes snug and warm, 
The long, cold winter through. 

Gladly I’ll put them into the pack, 

For Christ said, “ Have charity. M 

And, “ Inasmuch as ye do to these, 

Ye do it unto me.” 

Third Child (with shoes and rubbers'). 

Some shoes and rubbers too, 

We’ll surely not forget, 

For very sad indeed ’twould be 
To have their feet all wet. 

I wish I’d many, many more, 

To send this Christmas Eve, 

That ’twas the best that I could do 
He surely will believe. 


santa’s surprise 


Fourth Child (with candy). 

I’m afraid some of these same, very ones, 
Will have very little to eat, 

Unless old Santy brings to them, 

Things for a Christmas treat. 

So I’ve brought the candy all children love, 
And here I’ll tuck it away, 

With wishes and hopes that they may have 
A joyful Christmas Day. 

Fifth Child (with oranges). 

Christmas, I’m sure, would not be complete, 
Unless some fruit we add, 

So I have brought some oranges, 

The best that could be had. 

When they them in their stocking find, 

So big and round and yellow, 

I’m sure they’ll say old Santy is 
A right, good jolly fellow. 

Sixth Child (with apples). 

I’ve brought apples round and red, 

To each child to be given. 

I’m sure they’ll think this Christmas Day 
Almost like unto heaven. 

Every good and every perfect gift, 

In the Bible we are told, 

Cometh down from the Father above, 

Who watches his lambs in the fold. 

Seventh Child (with nuts). 

To all the good things stored in here. 

I’ll add of nuts, a lot, 

More bless’d to give than to receive, 

The loving Christ-child taught. 

I’m sure my day will more joyful be, 

If I can truly think, 

That all the children in this place, 

Have enough to eat and drink. 


santa’s surprise 


7 


Eighth Child {with meat). 

Oranges yellow and apples red, 

Nuts and nice, sweet candy, 

All good—but when you’re almost starved, 
Some meat does come in handy. 

So I think Santy’ll find a place, 

For these pieces I have brought. 

When into those cheerless homes he goes 
What a miracle will be wrought! 

Ninth Child {with turkey). 

This turkey must have been so fat, 

That he could hardly hobble. 

I’m glad he was for that means more, 

For little folks to gobble. 

Perhaps he was so proud and vain, 

That no one could endure him. 

If that was so, they surely took 
The quickest way to cure him. 

Tenth Child {with cranberries). 

Here’s a bag of cranberries 
To make into some sauce. 

Gee-whiz—with that turkey brown. 

Won’t it be just boss? 

With all the other good things there 
And well seasoned dressing 

I hope they’ll not eat so much, 

Their feelings’ll be distressing. 

Eleventh Child {with potatoes). 

Some potatoes he will surely need, 

To go with the meat he’ll send, 

A good, big bag of those he’ll find, 

I’ll say “ They’re from a friend.” 

I hope they’ll nice and mealy be, 

Then with meat and gravy brown, 

I’m sure they’ll say their dinner is 
The very best in town. 


8 


santa’s surprise 


Twelfth Child (with turnips). 

The dinner still would be incomplete, 

If no turnips were found there. 

Of those we’ve plenty in our home 
And still a few to spare. 

So to the pile I’ll add my mite, 

With wishes glad and hearty, 

That every child in this glad land 
May share in a Christmas party. 

Thirteenth Child (with squash). 

How could they ever get along 
Without a squash so yellow? 

I’m sure they’d vote old Santy Claus 
A most forgetful fellow. 

Some of this I hope will go 
Into a pie so round. 

For pies are pretty jolly stuff 
Wherever boys are found. 

Fourteenth Child (with onions ). 

Of onions, too, there must be a few, 

So those I will provide, 

And by these squash and turnips fine. 
I’ll lay them side by side. 

I hope to very many dishes, 

They’ll add the nicest flavor, 

To soups, to stews, to dinners all, 
They’ll give the proper savor. 

Fifteenth Child (with groceries). 

Some dear, old grandma’ll want her tea, 
Of course with sugar, too, 

Fresh butter, eggs and cereal, 

With raisins just a few. 

Perhaps a pudding she will make, 

With sauce and fat plums many. 

If grandchildren come to visit her, 

I guess they won’t leave any. 


santa’s surprise 


9 


Sixteenth Child (with cake). 

I hope that at this joyous time, 

No child without cake will go. 

I think ’twould be a dreadful shame, 

For I do love it so. 

My mother’s just a splendid cook, 

She made this cake for me 

And stuffed it just as full of plums, 

As full as it could be. 

Seventeenth Child (with pie). 

Well, I hope no boy will have to do 
Without a piece of pie. 

Surely that would be enough 
To make him moan and sigh. 

No matter what else I do eat, 

For pie I’ve always room. 

Can’t help it if those anxious folks 
Do fret and fuss and fume. 

Eighteenth Child (with bread and flour). 

I think we’d better send some bread, 

For that’s the staff of life. 

Here are some loaves just fresh and brown, 
All ready for the knife. 

And here’s a bag of flour, too, 

For not long this bread will last, 

So they will surely need some more, 

Soon after Christmas’s past. 

Nineteenth Child (with jelly). 

Among dear Santy’s many friends, 

Some surely will be ill. 

Perhaps if nothing else tastes good, 

A little jelly will. 

A few tumblers I have brought 
To add unto his store, 

And if they like it very much, 

Next year I’ll send them more. 


10 


SANTA’S SURPRISE 


Twentieth Child (with doughnuts). 

A fat and puffy doughnut, 

For luncheon after school 

Is good, e’en if the doctors say 
That ’tis against the rule, 

To eat between your meals. 

When home from school I go, 

I’m always just about half-starved — 
Empty from head to toe. 

Twenty-first Child (with cookies). 

A crisp molasses ginger-snap, 

No boy will e’er refuse. 

If growing boys do eat too much, 

You surely must excuse. 

I’m always glad in the cooky jar, 

To find this special kind. 

I’ll leave this bag for Santa Claus 
In his heaped-up sack to find. 

Twenty-second Child (with underclothes). 

Some thick, warm underclothes, 

The children must not lack. 

A great big bundle some one’s sent 
To put right in the pack. 

May they keep some child warm 
When the wintry winds blow chilly. 

To keep the things we do not need, 

Is surely worse than silly. 

Twenty-third Child (with boy's suit). 

Just look at this suit I have here, 

With pockets just a-plenty, 

Here’s one and here and here and here, 
There must be almost twenty. 

But I hope that each one will 
Be full as it can hold, 

Of strings and knives and tops and balls, 
And marbles to be rolled. 


santa’s surprise 


it 


Twenty-fourth Child (with girl's dress). 

My present to some little girl, 

Is just the prettiest dress, 

All trimmed with braid and velvet bright, 
She will be proud, I guess. 

I hope to some one it will go, 

Whose cheeks are red and rosy, 

Then in it, I am sure she’ll look, 

Sweeter than any posy. 

Twenty-fifth Child (with books). 

I’m usually quite a noisy fellow, 

So, at least, my people say. 

But how can any boy keep quiet, 

And still have fun at play? 

But when I’ve books like these I hold, 

By Alger, Henty, Optic, 

Then for a little space at least, 

You can almost hear the clock tick. 

Twenty-sixth Child (with girl's coat). 

This warm and cosy jacket, 

I surely have outgrown, 

But there are many it would fit, 

If only they were known. 

Santy will see so many girls, 

As far and wide he’ll travel, 

I’m sure he will the problem hard 
For me, no doubt, unravel. 

Twenty-seventh Child (with overcoat). 

My mother says an overcoat, 

Some boy will surely need, 

And that a friend in want 
Is sure a friend indeed. 

I hope some boy, dear Santy ’11 find 
Whom it will fit just right. 

A little boy about my size, 

Also my shape and height. 


12 


santa’s surprise 


Twenty-eighth Child (with caps). 

The stocking cap is, to my mind, 

The very greatest dandy, 

No matter if your hair won’t keep 
So smooth and slick and spandy. 

If skating or sliding you do go, 

And old Jack Frost comes near, 

Just pull it down with a good, quick jerk 
And he cannot touch that ear. 

Twenty-ninth Child (with games). 

Perchance there may be some child sick, 
With fever, measles, mumps. 

Oh, dear, the days do go so slow, 

It just gives one the dumps ! 

So these games I’ll to them send, 

If long in the house they must stay, 

Perhaps they will somewhat help 
To pass the time away. 

Thirtieth Child (with sled). 

That this sled is a flyer 
I can truly testify. 

You wonder that I bring it here — 

I’ll tell the reason why. 

I like to slide so well myself, 

I want others to have fun; — 

And I’ll tell you a secret — 

I’m to have another one. 

Thirty-first Child (with skates). 

Who doesn’t like on the smooth ice 
To swiftly slide and skate ? 

Only one must careful be 
Not to hit one’s pate. 

No healthy boy should be without 
Some skates all shining bright. 

Could any present more 
A youngster’s heart delight ? 


santa’s surprise 


*3 


Thirty-second Child (with dolls'). 

No doubt among his Christmas mail, 

Many letters Santy’s had 

Asking for dolls, both great and small, 

So I’ll make some girls’ hearts glad. 

By sending these dolls of various size, 

Black, brown and flaxen curl. 

For what would Christmas be 
Without a doll to a little girl? 

Thirty-third Child (with toys). 

Of course the girls will want their dolls, 

Likewise the boys want toys, 

So this armful I have brought 
To make glad the little boys. 

Here’s a drum, a top, a horn, 

A whistle that’s a daisy. 

I hope they won’t make so much noise, 

They’ll drive their mothers crazy. 

Any One of Children (says). 

I think we’ve here most everything 
That any child could wish. 

How in this lovely, heaped-up sack 
They’d dearly like to fish. 

Since we have worked so steadily 
And have our labor done, 

Don’t you think we’d better wake Santa up 
Then peep in to see the fun ? 

(Children form circle and dance around Santa, singing: 

Tune , “ Yankee Doodle ,” Price , J$ cents.) 

All. 

We’ve filled old Santy’s sack right up, 

We’ve filled it to the brim; 

We’ve filled old Santy’s sack right up, 

And now we’ll wake up him. 


SANTA’S SURPRISE 


H 

(Repeat song, slyly pulling Santa’s hair , whiskers and coat; 
then run out to peep in at door or hide around stage. 
Santa stretches , yawns and finally wakes and arises .) 

Santa {speaks'). 

Oh, I must hurry to my work. 

I fear I’ve slept too long. 

Can it be I dreamed it all, 

Or did I hear a song ? 

{Finds sack filled and exclaims in surprise .) 

Why, here’s my sack just heaped up full ! 

Have fairies been at work ? 

Did all the elves and brownies gay, 

Think Santy was a shirk ? 

{Discovers children peeping .) 

Aha ! I see you peeping there 
Each little fay and elf— 

Come in, come in, yes, every one, 

I want some fun myself. 

{Children enter.) 

I thank you kindly, one and all, 

For all the work you’ve done. 

And many homes I’ll visit now, 

Ere yet does rise the sun. 


Where all was sad and cheerless, drear, 
I’ll joy and gladness bring. 

And every heart, both young and old, 
Will joyous praises sing. 

'Tis very seldom I have time 
To visit in this way, 

As I am busy all the year, 

Preparing for Christmas Day. 


santa’s surprise 


l S 


Since you have done my work for me, 

I have some time to spare. 

Could you not speak or sing or play ? 

’Twould be a pleasure rare. 

One of the Children (says'). 

To try to entertain you, sir, 

We’ll surely do our best, 

I’ll gladly do my little share, 

As I know will all the rest. 

(A child speaks or sings ; other children follow , as many 
as desired. The following would be an appropriate 
program. All not otherwise specified are in “ Christmas 
Celebration,” Price , 25 cents , by J. C. Sindeler.) 

Song—Santa Claus (anything suitable). 

Recitation—“’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” 

Recitation—“Trouble in the Doll’s House.” 

Recitation—“A Note to Santa Claus.” 

Song—Martin Luther’s Cradle Hymn, Price , JJ cents. 

Recitation—“Fair Warning to Santa Claus.” 

Recitation—“Poor Santa Claus.” 

Recitation—“ Jes’ Afore Christmas,” Price , JO cents. 

Song—“ Jolly Old Santa Claus.” 

(Santa applauds each number vigorously. After children 
have finished Santa looks around audience and says.) 

Santa. 

I see other of my friends 
Are with us here to-night, 

To hear from any one of them 
Would give me great delight. 

(Any talent may be here introduced .) 

Santa (turns to children and says ). 

Although you’ve very busy been, 

I’ve done some work myself. 

My sacks were not all empty thus, 

Here’s a full one on this shelf. 


santa’s surprise 


(Takes down full sack and opens l) 

I think I’ll see what I can find 
For all the children here. 

I hope it’ll be just what they want 
To add to their Christmas cheer. 

(.Distributes gifts ; then glancing at clock , exclaims .) 

Alas, the time is flying fast! 

I must tear myself away. 

With many, many, many thanks 
For the help you’ve given to-day. 

So good-night to you all I’ll say, 

May you very happy be. 

Don’t forget to hang your stocking up 
Or else have a Christmas tree. 

[Exit Santa. 


CURTAIN FALLS 


The Syndicated Santa Claus 


A Christmas Entertainment for 
Children in Two Acts 


By BERTHA CURRIER PORTER 



The Syndicated Santa Claus 


CHARACTERS 


Santa Claus. 

Miss Banks, a stenographer. 

Two or three Directors (thinking parts ). 
Jimmie, the office boy. 

Messenger Boy. 

Newsboy. 

Robert Cooper, a father . 

Susie Cooper, a mother. 

Children : 

Maud, 

Jennie, 

Dick, 

Charlie, 

Rufus, 

and as many more as desired. 



Copyright, 1908, by Walter H. Baker & Co. 



COSTUMES 


Santa Claus. In Act I he should be dressed in a modern 
office suit, but his facial make-up should be that of the conven¬ 
tional Santa Claus. The contrast between his face and suit 
should be very marked. 

In Act II he should wear the regulation Santa Claus suit, 
red coat, and knee-breeches trimmed with white fur, black top- 
boots, red cap also trimmed with fur, pack on his back. 
During part of the act he is disguised in a long black mantle or 
N cape. 

Other costumes modern and appropriate. 


TIME 

Act I. — Day-time, three weeks before Christmas. 
Act II.—Christmas Eve. 


SCENES 

Act I.—Offices of the Consolidated Santa Claus Syndicate, 
Limited. 

Act II.—A corner of the park, at night. 

The transformation of the tree may be easily arranged by 
having the side away from the audience trimmed and wired 
with electric lights. Just before the transformation this side 
should be turned toward the audience in place of the plain, 
snow-laden side. 


Plays about forty-five minutes. 





The Syndicated Santa Claus 


ACT I 

SCENE.— A modern up-to-date office ; large desk, well-fitted 
up, revolving leather chair, several other substantial chairs, 
safe in one corner, typewriter, with Miss Banks working at 
the machine. As the curtain rises, Santa Claus is bowing 
two or three directors from the room. The door closes, and 
Santa Claus comes wearily back and seats himself at the 
desk. Miss Banks works a moment at the machine, then 
hands him a number of letters. 

Miss Banks. These letters are all ready for your signature, 
sir. You’ll find them all exactly as the board voted. 

Santa Claus. You may leave them. I’ll look them over. 
That is all, you may go now. (Exit Miss B. Santa alone, 
leaning his head on his handl) Only three weeks to Christmas, 
and, oh, how little that name means now. It isn’t much as it 
used to be in the good old days. Ah, me ! If I had known 
what was coming—but I felt old and tired, so, when the mil¬ 
lionaires had exhausted all the schemes of earth to invest their 
money and that enterprising young man with the smooth tongue 
came to me with the proposition to syndicate me—my years of 
experience against their capital—it looked good to me. I 
yielded. But if I had realized what it meant to be syndicated, 
I’d have worked till I dropped in the harness before I would 
have consented. Why, Christmas is no more Christmas now— 
my poor old reindeer eating their heads off up here in the park 
—my old sleigh that I’ve used till it’s shockingly shabby, 
mounted in a glass case in the museum—almost my very clothes 
(with a quick glance at the safe )—but, there, I’ve managed to 
keep my clothes from the relic-hunters so far. Instead of 

5 




6 


THE SYNDICATED SANTA CLAUS 


reindeer and sleigh with its jingling bells, the linemen rig up 
their pneumatic tubes to the chimneys, and presto—all the 
bundles are wrapped, tied, marked, stamped with the Syndicate 
stamp, and shot, each into its respective stocking at precisely 
the same moment. Reports come in by wireless from all the 
sub-stations to central here that everything is O. K., and down 
come the tubes for another year. No more “Night before 
Christmas and all through the house’’ business. It is a very 
ancient and out-of-date flat indeed, that doesn’t have its 
“ Christmas line with stockings attached.” Why, they are as 
much expected as electric equipments and pre-digested food cup¬ 
boards. My fragrant ropes and wreaths of evergreen are super¬ 
seded by the most outrageous paper contraptions. ( Takes from 
the desk a paper garland and undoes it scornfully. ) Look at 
that! What an insult to self-respecting evergreen that grows 
all the year with an ambition to make some home bright and 
beautiful at the Christmas season. But if I allow myself to 
dwell on these matters I shall be ranting soon. ( Presses a hell. 
Enter Jimmie, the office boy. He is rather small, a7id wears 
a new suit with many buttons. He regards Santa with awe.) 
Well, well, sonny, I’ve never seen you before. I guess you 
must be a new boy, aren’t you? 

Jimmie. Yes, sir, I’m pretty new. But my suit’s newer. 

Santa. It certainly is a fine suit. You look rather a smart 
boy—do you know who I am ? 

Jim. Yes, sir. You’re Santa Claus. That’s what they tell 
me, but you don’t look the way I thought you did. 

Santa. No? How’s that? 

Jim. Your face looks all right, but it doesn’t fit with those 
clothes. I thought you wore a red suit all trimmed with white 
stuff, and had holly somewhere round you and great high, shiny 
boots. And where are your reindeer ? 

Santa ( much pleased). Young man, your conversation is 
the most edifying I’ve listened to for some time. But where 
did you get all these notions ? Surely there hasn’t been a Santa 
Claus like that in your day. 

Jim. No, but I’ve seen a picture of it in a book my aunt had 
when she was a little girl. And my big sister saw you once. 
She had a tree one year and you came—don’t you remember? 

Santa ( gravely ). I should have to think. You see, I used 
to go to so many trees. And I used to climb down chimneys, 
too, and fill the stockings that hung round the chimney-piece. 
And sometimes I had to hurry to get away before I was seen. 


THE SYNDICATED SANTA CLAUS 


7 


Jim. I know about that. We hang up our stockings now, 
but the Syndicate fills them, don’t it? There’s a tag on every 
present says so. 

Santa. The Syndicate does a good many things I could 
wish it didn’t. Go get me the last hourly paper, boy—I want 
to read the news. {Exit Jim.) I declare, I’m upset. I 
didn’t know there was a soul left on this modern old planet 
that really believed in me. And he asks me “ don’t I remem¬ 
ber his sister’s tree? ” I wish- {Enter Jim. with paper. 

As Santa settles himself to read , Jim. goes over to the corner 
where he sits , watching Santa intently. Santa reads a little, 
then suddenly throws down the paper in a rage. He rises and 
strides about the room. Excitedly.) I won’t stand it! It’s 
too much ! It strikes a blow at the very vitals of all tradition 
—it’s outrageous ! And to think that I was not consulted. 
They dared not—they knew what I would say- 

Jim. Oh, what is the matter, Mr. Santa Claus ? 

Santa. Matter? An enterprising concern advertises “Imi¬ 
tation Christmas Trees ”—listen to this. {Reads from paper.) 
“Labor Saving Scheme ! Our patent Ready-to-Use Christmas 
Tree. Neatly packed in box with full directions for setting 
up. A complete and realistic imitation of the trees of our 
fathers. A great improvement on the crudities of nature. 
Symmetrical in every part. Non-inflammable. Non-destructi- 
ble. Made in three odors—Pine, Hemlock and Fir Balsam. 
Order now.” Do they think I’m going to stand that? I have 
tamely submitted to automobiles, air-ships, pneumatic tubes, 
wireless messages, and even kept silence in the presence of 
paper garlands, but imitation Christmas trees—no, never! 
{Enter a Messenger Boy with a letter. ) What’s this? 

Messenger. An answer, sir. 

Santa {reading aloud). “Mr. S. Claus: Dear Sir: 
Through the untiring efforts of the Consolidated Santa Claus 
Syndicate, the government has at last been prevailed on to 
take over the tremendous task now devolving upon you, that 
of reading and answering the so-called Santa Claus letters with 
which your mail is flooded at this time of year. We take great 
pleasure in conveying this, no doubt, welcome news to you and 
request you at once to hand over to our messenger any and all 
accumulated mail coming under that head. Very respectfully, 
Directors of the Santa Claus Syndicate.” (Santa, in the calm¬ 
ness of utter disgust.) I’ll reply. You may say to those who 
sent you, young man, one word, Never. 




8 


THE SYNDICATED SANTA CLAUS 


Messenger. Very well, sir. [Exit Messenger. 

Santa. Another blow—and to-day, of all days, when this 
little youngster has stirred all my yearnings and made me so 
unutterably homesick. (Santa drops into a chair and sits 
with his head in his hands. Jim. creeps up to him and finally 
puts one arm shyly about his neck. Santa lifts him into his 
lap.) I don’t know what I’m going to do, little man. 

Jim. Won’t the old Syndicate do what you want it to? 

Santa. No, boy, you’ve hit it. It won’t do a thing I want 
it to. 

Jim. Then, why don’t you strike? That’s what folks do 
when other people won’t do what they want them to. 

Santa. I’ll do it! I’ll do it! They can do nothing with¬ 
out my orders. {Puts Jim. down hastily.) I’ll just send off a 
few messages that will put things where the Syndicate will find 
itself somewhat disarranged. Here, boy, send this telegram to 
Toy Headquarters. 

Jim. Wireless would reach ’em quicker, sir. 

Santa. I’m done with all things modern. A good old- 
fashioned telegram will do for me. Besides, the Syndicate 
controls all the wireless lines and they would refuse to send the 
message. Here it is. “Do no further work unless by my 
special orders. Sell no goods. Santa Claus.” And this one 
to the Caretaker of the Christmas trees—“ Send no trees to 
any one unless ordered over my signature. Santa Claus.” 
And this to all the agents at the sub-stations—“ You are dis¬ 
charged. No more Christmases. Santa Claus.” {Exit 
Jim. with telegrams. Santa rushes to safe, opens it and 
takes out a large bundle.) Whew ! It smells dreadfully of 
moth-balls. But a good swift sleigh-ride will soon cure that. 
{Shakes out his suit and puts it on.) They will be somewhat 
surprised at the museum when they find “Case C., containing 
the original sleigh of Santa Claus ” empty, I’ll be bound. 

Enter Jim., who stands amazed, then rushes joyfully to Santa. 

Jim. Oh, how splendid you are! If you only had the 
sleigh and the reindeer. 

Santa ( catching Jim. up on his shoulder). We’ll have them 
soon, my boy. First to the park—then to the museum. Oh, 
but it will seem good to get the reins in my hands once more. 
“ Now, Dasher ! now, Dancer ! now, Prancer and Vixen I 


On, Comet! 
happy once 
has struck ! 


THE SYNDICATED SANTA CLAUS 9 

on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen-” I'm 

more—I’m free ! The Syndicated Santa Claus 


(As they dash through the door ) 


THE CURTAIN FALLS 


ACT II 


SCENE.— A corner of the park. Sturdy pine tree growing at 
right. Evergreen hedge at left and back. Snow on hedge 
and tree. At back , partly concealed by the hedge , are the 
reindeer , who can be heard, stamping and shaking their bells. 
The sleigh is partly visible. It is a moonlight night and the 
stage should be as dark as possible. As the characters enter , 
it may be lighted a little , but the effect of moonlight on the 
snow should be kept as much as possible. 

(Enter Santa and Jim. They are clapping their arms as if to 

warm themselves .) 

Santa. Well, sonny, how does it seem to get home again? 
Jim. Pretty fair, but everybody seems awfully glum and 
cross, somehow. It doesn’t seem like Christmas Eve. When 
we rode along over the cities, did you see how quiet everything 
was ? And in all those windows where we peeked, I didn’t 
see a single stocking hanging up, did you ? 

Santa. Why should we? There isn’t going to be any 
Christmas, you know. 

Jim. Yes, I know. Seems too bad, though. Seems all the 
worse since I’ve seen your house. 

Santa. Liked it, did you ? 

Jim. I guess I did. I liked it when I first saw it, all shut 
up, but when we came away I could hardly bear to leave. 
Those old men making Noah’s Arks were so nice and funny. 
I’ve got a cow, one of them gave me, in my pocket. So I’ll 
have one Christmas present anyway. 

Santa. Yes, it did seem good to get back to the old home. 
Of course, things were a bit dusty where the house had been 
shut up so long, but we soon changed that. And I was for¬ 
tunate to get all the old workmen back again. I was so pleased 
to see their joy at getting to work again. Poor fellows, they 
are certainly good friends of mine. And they do fine work. 
Strong hand-made toys, made on honor and to stand all sorts 
of knocks and bumps from little hands—none of your cheap 
io 


THE SYNDICATED SANTA CLAUS 


II 


machine stuff. I wonder what has been going on here while 
we have been away. It does seem quiet—too quiet, almost. 
How can we find out without being discovered ? 

Jim. I hear a newsboy now. I’ll get a paper. 

Santa. He mustn’t see me. He may be a strike-breaker 
or a picket in disguise—I’ll hide. 

(Santa hides behind the hedge. Whistling is heard, coming 
nearer. A small ragged Newsboy enters, calling his pa¬ 
pers. He recognizes Jim. and greets him with surprise.') 

Newsboy. Hullo, Jimmie, where you been ? Lost yer job, 
ain’t yer? 

Jim. I’ve been away—on a trip. 

Newsboy ( scornfully). Yes, yer have 1 Where? Most 
likely, when yer firm bust up and ye lost yer job, you’se afraid 
to go home, so you’se been bunkin’ out. 

Jim. What do you mean—my firm bust up ? 

Newsboy. Say, where you been, anyway? On de 
level, don’t you know de Santa Claus Syndicate has gone out 
o’ business? 

Jim. Really ? 

Newsboy. Sure. The manager struck and skipped, and 
the directors, they tried to run it, but they couldn’t get no toys 
nor no trees, an’ all the managers of the sub-stations quit, so 
they had to go out o’ business. 

(Santa has been gradually creeping nearer and nearer, lis¬ 
tening eagerly.) 

Jim. What are folks going to do for Christmas ? 

Newsboy. Ain’t goin’ to have any. Can’t. They can’t 
find Santa Claus, and so of course they can’t have any 
Christmas. 

Santa (appearing in a long, dark cloak, which conceals his 
suit). I thought the people had managed these many years 
without any Santa Claus. Your well-managed Syndicate has 
done it all, I understand ? 

Newsboy. Sure, the Syndicate done a good deal, but, you 
see, we all knew Santa was in with ’em, kind o’ takin’ a rest-up, 
as it were, so we stood for a good many t’ings we didn't like. 
But when the word got round that Santa had struck, why, we 
wouldn’t stand fer the Syndicate no more. 


12 


THE SYNDICATED SANTA CLAUS 


Santa. Do you mean, boy, that there are people whor 
want Santa Claus and the old-fashioned Christmas l 
again ? 

Newsboy. Sure thing. 

Jim. Perhaps he’d come back if he knew that. 

Newsboy. I wish he would—I t’ink a real Christmas trt 
would be fine. But I got to be goin’. Me business will suffer 
So long, Jimmie. So long, old man. Wish yer Merry Christ¬ 
mas, anyway. [Exit Newsboy. 

Santa (turning to Jim., bewildered ). Do you suppose he 
knows what he’s talking about? 

Jim. Of course he does. He’s sold papers three years, and 
he knows a lot. Why, the ward politicians speak to him. But 
say, you are going to have a Christmas, aren’t you ? ’Cause 
why did you bring all those things in the sleigh ? 

Santa. Force of habit, I guess. Thought they might work 
in handy. You never can tell when you are going to need 
things. I wish I knew if that boy really knew what he was 
talking about. I’ll tell you, if I can find three more people 
who really miss Christmas and want it back again, want the 
merry spirit and the love of giving and the good green trees 
and the beautiful holly—then I’ll have a Christmas. But I 
don’t believe there are three people in all this world who care 
enough about me to want all that. Hark, I hear voices—• 
come. 

(Santa and Jim. crouch beneath the tree . Enter a man and 
a woman , a father and mother .) 

Mother. I wish we had something for the children. 

Father. I tried everywhere, Susie, but I couldn’t buy a 
single present. None in the market is what they say in all the 
stores. 

Mother. It isn’t so much the presents, though of course 
I’d like to give them something. But I want a tree for them. 

Father. The artificial- 

Mother. Don’t speak of them. When I say a tree, I mean 
a real Christmas tree. A thick, beautiful, fragrant growing 
thing like that one over there. Bob, I suppose we could not go 
into the woods and cut one ? 

Father. No, dear, I’m afraid not. It’s all in the reserva¬ 
tion, and they won’t allow you even to pick flowers. 

Mother. Well, I’m so sorry. Yet I can tell them about 














THE SYNDICATED SANTA CLAUS 13 

Christmas as it used to be. They know the story now, and 
I’ll tell them once more how Santa used to fill my stockings 
when I was a little girl. I believe I’ll let them hang theirs to¬ 
night, even if they say there isn’t to be any Christmas. Some¬ 
how, here in the park among the evergreens I feel as if Santa 
Claus could not really desert us on Christmas Eve. Come, 
Bob, we’ll go home and hang up the stockings. 

\_Exeunt Father and Mother. 

Jim. (to Santa). There’s two folks that’s pretty sure there’s 
going to be a Christmas. They want it bad enough, and so do 
I, and we make three—you promised on three. 

Santa. I’ll fill those stockings if there isn’t another present 
ever given. I’m glad I brought some extra things along. 

Jim. Hush, here comes somebody else. (Enter a crowd 
of children. Jim. comes out and joins them. During the fol¬ 
lowing conversatio?i Santa makes frequent trips from the 
sleigh to the great tree , bringing parcels .) Hullo, where are 
you going? 

Maud. We’re hunting for Santa Claus—have you seen 
him ? 

Jim. Santa Claus—who is he ? 

Dick. He’s the man that gives the Christmas presents. 

Jennie. And he’s struck, so we can’t have any Christmas 
unless we can find him and persuade him to come back 
again. 

Jim. I thought the Syndicate did all the Christmas 
business. 

Dick. Aw, folks used to think so, but ’twas Santa Claus all 
the time. He used to do it all alone when my pa and ma were 
little, and it was ever so much more fun then. We’re going to 
ask him if he won’t please do it all alone again, and if he says 
he’s too old and can’t, we’re going to tell him we’ll help 
him. 

Charlie. Yes, we want him to come back. We want a 
Christmas tree. 

Maud. Yes, and we want him to bring his reindeer, too. 
Those reindeer in the park were his, and when he struck, he 
took them away with him. 

Rufus. I want to see him go down a chimney. 

(Jingling bells are heard .) 

Dick. I hear bells now. They don’t allow sleighs in this 
part of the park. 


14 


THE SYNDICATED SANTA CLAUS 


Maud. Perhaps we have found him. 

All. Let’s look ! Let’s look ! 

(They scatter about and soon discover the reindeer a?id the 
sleigh , which is now empty .) 

Charlie. Hurrah ! Here’s his sleigh. 

Maud. And all the reindeer. Aren’t they lovely ? 

Rufus. Santa Claus can’t be far away. 

(Santa appearing. As he appears, the stage is brilliantly 
lighted. The tree flashes into view, gaily decorated and 
lighted, and hung with gifts. All shout with rapture.') 

All. Oh ! oh ! Santa Claus—Santa Claus ! A Christmas 
tree —a Christmas tree ! 

Enter the Mother and Father and the Newsboy. 

Santa. Yes, it is Santa Claus and a Christmas tree. Oh, 
good people—dear people, you have restored my faith in this 
old earth again. I find I have more friends than I thought I 
had. 

All. Yes, indeed, we’ve missed you dreadfully, and oh, 
Santa Claus, we are so glad you’re back again. 

Santa. Friends, dear friends, it warms the cockles of my 
old heart. I’ve heard all the good, kind things you have said 
about me, and I have sent word to the toy factories to the 
Christmas-tree store-houses, and already the spirit of Christmas 
is spreading over the land. Never again will I try to abolish 
Christmas. But it shall go on in the good old way, and never, 
no, never, will there be another Syndicated Santa Claus. (To 
the Mother.) And now, please, I want the address of the 
house where those stockings are hanging. There are some 
toys in my pack that won’t be happy till they are nestling in 
the toes of those very stockings. (The Mother whispers to 
him.) Thank you—right on my way. I’m off—this is my 
busy day. And now scatter—scatter, all of you, and spread 
the news. Tell all the children to hang up their stockings. 
But be quick, for Christmas Eve is on us and I’ve much to do. 
Here is your tree—enjoy it. Get your friends to join you, and 
a Merry Christmas to you all. Good-bye—good-bye ! 

All. Good-bye, good-bye, dear Santa Claus ! A Merry 
Christmas! 


THE SYNDICATED SANTA CLAUS 


1 5 


{He jumps into the sleigh , the bells jingle , he calls to his rein¬ 
deer , as the people wave and shout,') 

“ Now, Dasher ! now, Dancer ! now Prancer and Vixen ! 
On, Comet! on, Cupid ! on, Donder and Blitzen-” 

{His voice grows fainter as he vanishes and ) 


THE CURTAIN FALLS 




KRISS KRINGLE’S 


PANORAMA 

OF 


Pantomimes, Tableaux, Readings, Recitations, 
Illustrated Poems, Music, &c. 


ARRANGED BY THE AUTHOR OF “ PRESTON PAPERS.’ ; 




Copyright, 1893, 

BY THE 

Preston Publishing Company,, 




BIBLE READINGS. 

Isaiah 53—entire. 

Luke 2: 8-14. 

The latter may be given as a concert recitation in a variety of ways: 

1. By class of boys and girls, simply. 

2. By same, girls costumed in simple white, gilt or silver crowns, 
or band with star in front, hair crimped or waved over the shoulders; 
boys in drapery of Palestine shepherds, with crooks. 

3. All in white drapery (sheets) standing on pedestals, with wings. 

4. Dressed as Jews of that date. 

5. All together, with chorus of Angel voices from gallery or distant 
room in appropriate anthem. 


PANTOMIME. 

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING. 

In one Scene. 

Stage arranged to represent variety (or “99-cent” ) store. Be sure 
that the “counters” come nearer together at the rear than at front of 
stage, to give right perspective. Long tables may be used, behind 
which the clerks stand. Behind them are shelves—may be arranged 
from wooden boxes set in tiers—filled with Christmas goods. Placard 
on outside curtain, or at side of front, with “ Holiday Goods,” 
“Christmas at Our Store” or some similar legend in large letters. 
Clerks may be both boys and girls; “check” and “cash” ditto; 
floor walker (near front) a boy with moustache put on, long trousers, 
frock coat, etc.; at a desk in rear is cashier making change constantly; 
near her a “bundler” boy at table tying up packages; book-keeper 





4 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY, 


at work on ledger; shoppers, both sexes, in out-of-door costume. 
They come in covered with snow (white, soft paper, torn into bits) 
which they shake off with various degrees of caution, and then “shop.” 
Some take a long time to decide on what they get; some purchase but 
one article, while a few go away without having done anything more 
than look at everything, ask the price, and be a general nuisance—as 
in real life. Shoppers may represent man and wife; farmer; young 
lady; two young men; several children, and others ad lib .—according 
to talent and platform. 

N. B. Introduce as many humorous episodes as possible—such as 
can be adapted to just your locality. Use sriginality in filling in this 
outline. 


CHRISTMAS BELLS. 

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 

I heard the bells on Christmas Day 
Their old familiar carols play, 

And wild and sweet 
The words repeat 

Of peace on earth, good will to men! 

And thought how, as the day had come, 
And belfries of all Christendom 
Had rolled along 
The unbroken song 
Of peace on earth, good will to men! 





CHRISTMAS BELLS. 


5 


Till ringing, singing on its way, 

The world revolved from night to day. 

A voice, a chime, 

A chant sublime 

Of peace on earth, good will to men ! 

But in despair I bowed my head, 

"There is no peace on earth,” I said, 

For hate is strong, 

And mocks the song 
Of peace on earth, good will to men ! 

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep, 
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep! 

The wrong shall fail, 

The right prevail, 

With peace on earth, good will to men.” 

SUGGESTIONS. 

Let some one hold a triangle (behind the curtain or in an adjoining 
room, with an open door) striking it softly, and in time , on the words 
“peace on earth, good will to men.” 


6 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


THE PRINCE OF LIFE. 

(Written expressly for this Magazine.) 
by Fred W. Ross, Rochester, N, Y. 

Still night was on Judea’s land— 

Long ages since have gone; 

A patient little shepherd band 
Was waiting for the dawn. 

The weary throng to rest gave way; 

All nature seemed to sleep— 

As oft the billows cease their play 
Ere tempests rock the deep. 

Then watched the shepherds there alone, 
When, in the shades of night, 

A Vision fair upon them shone 
With rays of holy light. 

At first they shrank with mortal fear 
Before the stranger’s face; 

But spake the Angel words of cheer 
For all the human race. 

Fear not, ye men ! for lo, I bring 
Good tidings—of Christ’s birth. 

To-day is born a Savior, King, 

The Prince of Life and Earth! 




THE PRINCE OF LIFE. 


7 


A manger is the monarch’s bed— 

In swaddling vestments curled 
Behold creation’s Mighty Head! 

Redeemer of the World! 

Then came great choirs from heaven’s band 
How joyful their refrain ! 

How firmly did God’s promise stand! 

Naught doeth He in vain. 

The scene of grandeur quickly passed, 

Their earthly mission done, 

The shepherds went with purpose fast 
To find the little one. 

No kings nor princes came to see 
This wondrous Little Child 
But wise men sought Him out with glee; 
Upon Him prophets smiled. 

* * * * 

Great nobles lived when Christ was born, 
Their record did not last. 

His name shall evermore adorn 
The Present and the Past. 

Great nations, since, their course have run 
Their annals fainter grow. 

But Christ can never be outdone, 

Time’s ravage never know. 


8 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


THE STORY KATHIE TOLD. 

Now stay right still and listen, kitty-cat, and I’ll 
tell you a story. 

Once there was a little girl. 

She was a pretty good little girl, and minded her 
papa ’n’ mamma and everything they said, only some¬ 
times she didn't, and then she was naughty; but she 
was always sorry, and said she wouldn’t do so any 
more, and her mamma’d forgive her. 

So she was going to hang up her stocking. 

“You'll have to be pretty good, 'lest 'twon’t be 
filled,” said her mamma. 

“ Less maybe there’ll be a big bunch of sticks in it,” 
said her papa. 

Do you think that’s a nice way to talk, kitty-cat ? 
I don’t. 

So the little girl was as good as she could be, ’less 
she was bigger, and didn’t cry and slap her little sister 
hardly any be tall, and always minded her mamma 
when she came where the chimney was, ’specially much. 

So she hung up her stocking. 

And in the night she got awake, kitty-cat, and 
wanted it to come morning; but in the morning she 
didn’t get awake till ’twas all sunshiny out doors. 

Then she ran quick as she could to look at her 
stocking where she’d hung it; and tru’s you live kitty- 


THE STORY KATHIE TOLD. 


9 


cat, there wasn’t the leastest thing in it—not theleastest 
little mite of a scrimp. 

Oh, the little girl felt dreadfully. How’d you feel, 
s’pose it had been you, kitty-cat ? 

She 'menced to cry, the little girl did, and she kept 
going harder ’n’harder, till by’mby she screeched orfly, 
and her mamma came running to see what the matter 
was. 

“Mercy me,” said her mamma. “Look overby 
the windo’ 'fore you do that any more, Kathie. ” 

That little girl’s name was Kathie, too, kitty-cat, just 
the same’s mine. 

So she looked over by the window, the way her 
mamma said, and oh, there was the loveliest dolly 
house you ever saw in all your born life. 

It had curtains to pull to the sides when you wanted 
to play and pull in front when you didn’t. 

There was a bed-room, kitty-cat, and a dinner-room 
and a kitchen and a parlor and they all had carpets on. 

And there was the sweetest dolly in the parlor, all 
dressed up in blue silk. Oh, dear. And a penano to 
play real little tunes on, and a rocking chair, and oh, 
kitty-cat, I can't begin to tell you half about it. 

I can’t about the bed-room either, nor the dinner 
room. 

But the kitchen was the very bestest of all. There 
was a stove—a teenty tonty mite of a one, kitty-cat, 


10 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


with dishes just *zackly like mamma’s only littler, of 
course, and fry pans and everything; and spoons to 
stir with, and a rolling pin and two little cutters-out, 
and the darlingest baker-sheet ever you saw. 

And the first thing that little girl did was to make 
some teenty mites of cookies, ’cause her mamma let 
her; and if you’ll come right down stairs, kitty-cat, I’ll 
give you one. 

Cause I was that little girl, kitty-cat, all the time. 

A. C. H. S. 


SUGGESTIONS. 

This may be given as a pantomine, to accompany the reading— or 
as a recitation by a little girl who sits in a low rocker, addressing 
her cat which she holds in her lap. The tone should be childlike 
and the whole thing simply given. 

_ 


CHRISTMAS BELLS. 

(.Selected.) 

Ring, Christmas bells! 

Ring, merrily ring, 

Ring tidings of great love; 

The love of men 
To men again 
Resembling that above. 

Tell the tale of generous deed 
By prosperous man, to man of need. 




CHRISTMAS BELLS. 


11 


Ring, Christmas bells! 

Ring, cheerily ring. 

Ring tidings of great peace, 

Of wrong act righted, 

Friends re-united; 

Ring unkind thoughts surcease. 

Tell the story of wrongs forgiven, 

For the sake of Christ in heaven. 

Ring Christmas bells! 

Ring, happily ring. 

Ring news of love divine, 

Of faith renewed, 

Bad deeds eschewed, 

In the sweet Christmas time. 

Tell the story of man’s salvation; 

Ring loud the Christmas proclamation, 
Sound it forth cheerily once again : 

Peace on earth, good will to men. 

SUGGESTIONS. 

The above makes a beautiful Concert Recitation and the class 
should be arranged according to “ register,” as in a quartette. 

Method. Sopranos recite the first two lines. All give third line. 
One with specially pure, clear voice, recite the rest of the stanza. All 
repeat first two lines. First two lines of next stanza taken by 
“tenors.” Remaining lines by voice of great sweetness and with le¬ 
gato movement. All repeat the first two lines. Altos and bassos 
take the first two lines of last stanza, dividing the rest between two 


12 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


voices of great power and smoothness. All repeat the first two lines 
and last. 

N. B. Ring the word “ ring ’’prolonging the word on the “ing ” 
sound, the last time it is given on each stanza. Let the last line, the last 
time, be given special reference to musical effect, and if it can be 
echoed pianissimo it is all the more beautiful. 


THE LADY JUDITH’S VISION. 

Mrs. E. V. Wilson. 

It was Christmas morning, the bells tolled loud ana clear. 

Awake, awake! oh, sleepers! Christmas Day is here !! 

Awake, awake ! This morn we bring to you again 

This message down from heaven: On earth peace, good 
will to men. 

Within her curtained chamber, the Lady Judith heard, 

But in her aching bosom no chord responsive stirred, 

Though on the wall before her an ancient picture hung 

In which the infant Jesus to his “ blessed Mother” 
clung. 

She sees the Son and mother. She hears the joyful 
bells— 

And her heart grows hard and bitter, as the tide of 
memory swells. 

“ And what to me is Mary’s Son,” she cries in anguish 
wild, 

While on my darling’s little grave the winter’s snows 
are piled ? 





THE LADY JUDITH’S VISION. 


13 


“ And what to me are Christmas bells, when I no more 
may hear 

The voice that all my music made, fall on my longing 
ear ? ” 

Then sudden silence filled the room ; a silence so pro¬ 
found, 

My Lady, awe-struck, raised her head aad wondering 
looked around. 

No more four walls confined her gaze; before her, far 
and wide, 

She saw a beauteous valley spread, with hills on either 
side. 

Amid the verdant grasses clear streams of water strayed; 

And trees, with sweet fruits laden, a pleasant shadow 
made. 

Fair temples crowned the lovely slopes, bright flowers 
bloomed everywhere, 

And birds with brilliant plumage with music filled the air. 

But now among the flowers and underneath the trees 

And floating in the crystal floods, what is it my Lady 
sees ? 

Can they be earthly children, or are they angels bright, 

These happy little creatures, all robed in spotless white? 

And now the childish voices in sweetest singing blend. 

“All hail! All hail!” they joyful cry, “He comes, 
the children’s Friend ! ” 

And walking in the valley she sees a noble form. 

These happy children leave their play, and all around 
Him swarm. 


14 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


They clasp His hands, His garments ; they cling about 
His feet, 

And lift to Him their dewy lips to give Him kisses 
sweet. 

But one among their number, in silence walked, apart. 

The tears fell slowly from his eyes, and sobs welled 
from his heart. 

And the Lady Judith wondered, “ Why is the child so 
sad, 

When all his little playmates seem so full of life and 
glad?” 

And Lord Christ, looking tenderly on all the children, 
smiled, 

As He held His arms extended toward the little, griev¬ 
ing child. 

And soon the shining golden head is to His bosom 
pressed. 

Why grieves thus my Lady's heart, within her throb¬ 
bing breast ? 

As thus she murmurs to herself, unheard by all save One, 

4 ‘Ah! my darling mourns his mother, in the arms of 
Mary’s Son! " 

But the little one is speaking, and she eager bends to 
hear, 

For the rosy lips are pressing closely to the Savior’s 
listening ear. 

“ Dear Christ,” they trembling whisper, “will you not 
let me go 

To comfort my poor mother ? I hear her grieving so. 


THE LADY JUDITH’S VISION. 


15 


Oh! let me go and tell her how blest the children be 

Who are brought from earth to heaven, to live and love 
with thee.” 

And she heard the dear Christ answer: “If you go 
back again, 

You must stay the time allotted unto the sons of men. 

You must share their bitter sorrows, mayhap their 
shame and sin, 

And pray and weep for heaven’s rest, ere you can enter 
in.” 

And sobbing still, the child replied: “My mother 
loves me so! 

I hear her crying day and night. Dear Christ, you’ll let 
me go?” 

The Savior kissed him lovingly, then placed Him on the 
ground, 

While all the children, wondering, in silence stood 
around 

“ I’ll take you to your mother now,” He said, and led 
the way. 

The Lady Judith shrieked aloud, “Oh, stay! My 
darling, stay! . 

I would not have you back again.” At once my Lady 

woke, . , - 

And now the Christmas bells again the chamber s still¬ 
ness broke. 


16 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


Again four walls confined her gaze, and Mary’s pictured 
face 

Looked down with yearning tenderness from its familiar 
place. 

A moment wrapped in thought she lay; then, spring¬ 
ing from her bed 

“ Hail! blessed Mother, blessed Son, hail! this Christ¬ 
mas morn ” she said. 

She dressed herself in richest robes and called her serv¬ 
ants all. 

“ Make haste,” she cried; light glowing fires and deck 
the banquet hall. 

Go forth, and bring in the children ; bring every child 
you meet; 

Search all the city’s byways. Search every lane and 
street. 

“Look for the homeless, friendless; for every little one 

Is dear to me for Jesus’ sake and for my own dear son 

Who dwells with Him in heaven and happy can not be, 

Because—O, Christ! Have pity !!—because of sinful 
me!! ” 

Then loudly rang the castle bells; and soon, from far 
and near, 

The children came, and laughed and sang and joined 
the Christmas cheer 

That night, as on her pillow the Lady Judith lay, 

A light shone all around her, like the brightness of the 
day. 


THE LADY JUDITH’S VISION. 


17 


And she saw the happy valley; and heard the children 
sing: 

“ He comes, He comes ! The children’s Friend ! He 
comes, our Lord and King ! ” 

And akin to pain the rapture that filled the mother’s 
breast, 

As the voice she knew rang sweeter, and for her above 
the rest. 

'Twas the voice of the beloved, and she knew no sorrow 
now 

Weighed on the tender little heart, or dimmed his shin¬ 
ing brow. 

And evermore she walked content, along life’s thorny 
road, 

With heart upraised in thankfullness to where her child 
abode. 

And evermore on Christmas, when she heard the joy 
bells ring, 

‘ * All hail!” she cried, “our blessed Lord, the child¬ 
ren’s Friend and King.” 

TABLEAU. 

GETTING THE TREE READY. 

Tree in background, partly decorated with popped corn, gilt and 
silver stars, gifts, etc. 

In foreground some are winding evergreens, some stringing popped 
corn, some writing labels for gifts that are lying around on the tables, 
chairs, floor, etc. 

Ingenuity in grouping will produce realistic effects. Don't crowd 
the stage with too many performers. 

This may be given as a pantomime. 


18 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


SWIPSEY'S CHRISTMAS DINNER. 

Edward Marshall. 

There wasn't very much on the table—in fact it wasn't 
very much of a table, being made of a dry goods box 
stood on its side. The room belonged to the grocer, 
but he had told them they could have the use of it for 
Christmas night. In the corner there was a little cracked 
stove, which was so hot that it shone like a big lump of 
Christmas cheer in the semi-darkness. 

Pretty soon “Swipsey” came in out of the rear of 
the city street. He had a few unsold papers under one 
arm, and a small, a very small, bundle under the other. 
With him was his sister Suze. They were orphans, try¬ 
ing to make their own way. She had had good luck 
and had sold all her papers. She took what was left of 
Swipsey's stock and spread a nice clean one over the 
dry goods box. Then he unrolled his bundle. 

“Oh, Swipsey!” said the girl. 

There was a can of cooked canned beef, and a little 
box of figs. 

Pretty soon the others began to come in. There 
was “ Mickey ” with a little packet of coffee, some sugar, 
and (what luck !) some cabbage that the apple-woman 
on the corner had cooked and given him, with big tears 
in her honest, Irish eyes, when he told her about the 
dinner. 




SWIPSEY’S CHRISTMAS DINNER. 


19 


“It ain’t much, Mickey,” she said, “but may the 
howly saints make it taste as relishin’ as if it was as big 
as a barn, and cooked in a gowld skillet!” 

There were five charter members of the dinner party, 
so to speak. “ Rocks ” (so named from his manner of 
defending himself in his frequent “ scraps”) came into 
the room next. He, too, had a little bundle, which was 
undone with due ceremony. 

When Piper came in, he stopped a minute, just 
inside the threshold, and held the door open while he 
beckoned to some one on the outside. “C’mon in,” 
said he; “ the fellers ’ll all be glad to see you.” 

Then entered a little fellow not more than six years 
old. He was very much embarrassed, and held his 
fingers to his lips. Piper, by the way of introduction, 
said: 

“Fellers and Suze—this ’ere little cove (Piper himself 
was a big cove, having seen thirteen years, and being 
the oldest member of the dinner party) is cornin’ to our 
Chrismuss. He’s just gone into the paper sellin’ biz, 
an’ he an’t got no boodle. I’m a takin’ care o’ him till 
he gits started. See? ” For a minute an embarrassed 
silence hung over the little group. Then the little peo¬ 
ple opened their hearts to the new comer (and they 
were big hearts for such very small bodies) and he was 
one of their dinner party. 

Piper explained to him: 


20 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


“You see” said Piper, “we fellers an’ Suze had 
heard a lot about Chrismuss. We don’ know ’gzacly 
what it is; but we do know that everybody what is any¬ 
body has a Chrismuss dinner. So we jes’ chipped in 
and—and (waving his hand around the room) here y’ 
are. 

“ But I ain’t chipped in ” said the new comer. 

“Well, wot if ye ain’t? y’ can next time.” So that 
was settled. Suze in the meantime had produced a pail 
from somewhere, and an old pan from somewhere else; 
and some broken crockery from still another place. 

“ Youz’ll make the coffee, and warm the cabbage ’n’ 
meat, darlint,” said Mickey. “Yezarethe only wo¬ 
man here.” So Suze went at it. 

It wasn’t long before everything was ready, and they 
gathered around the box. The savory odor from the 
coffee-pot and stew-pan had tickled the twelve little nos¬ 
trils and the six little mouths were as eager to taste the 
poor little dinner as ever yours was to pick your succu¬ 
lent Christmas turkey bones. 

They fell to, at once. “I’m ’fraid the coffee ain’t 
very good,” said Suze. But she smiled the satisfied 
smile that every housewife smiles while decrying her 
own dainties, and was much as pleased as ever you were, 
my finejady, in similar circumstance, when Rocks ex¬ 
claimed in answer. 

“ Finer’n Delmonico’s, I’ll bet!” 


SWIPSEY’S CHRISTMAS DINNER. 


21 


Before long the dinner had been eaten. They sat 
around the table for awhile, and the little six-year old 
fell asleep with his head on Suze’s knees. She passed 
her fingers lovingly over the little fellow’s forehead, and 
by and by leaned over and kissed him. 

“ Yez give us a bully Chrismuss, Suzc,” said Mickey, 
when at last the little party broke up; and from the 
throats of all the guests rang out in chorus, “ You bet!” 

CHRISTMAS STATUARY. 

Figures are to be all draped with sheets, unless otherwise specified, 
arms bare; eyes closed; faces powdered; wigs (whiskers also, when 
used at all) of course white yarn. 

King Christmas. On pedestal made of large box covered with 
white cloth or paper. Large crown of stiff, white paper; hair some¬ 
what long and very thick; beard; basket covered with white, in out¬ 
stretched right hand, drapery falling loosely over the right arm; tur¬ 
key, powdered with flour in left hand. 

The Christmas Dolls. Children of various sizes, in more or less 
elaborate costumes of white, representing girls, boys, and babies in 
long clothes. 

The Christmas Angel. A young lady with large wings, ample 
drapery, blowing trumpet of white bristol board. Poise in this 
should be very carefully looked after—grace being indispensable to 
fine effect; star on forehead ; all this figure may be sprinkled with 
diamond dust. 

Christmas Messenger. Two little children in out of door costumes 
(of white—may be paper, tissue or other soft paper) carrying a large 
basket between them, packages and basket covered with white. 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


A CHRISTMAS CAROL. 

J. G. Holland. 

There’s a song in the air! 

There’s a star in the sky ! 

There’s a mother’s deep prayer 
And a baby’s low cry! 

And the star rains its fire, while the Beautiful sing, 
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King. 

There’s a tumult of joy 
O’er the wonderful birth; 

For the virgin’s sweet boy 
Is the Lord of the earth. 

Aye, the star rains its fire, and the Beautiful sing, 
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King! 

In the light of that star 
Lay the ages impearled. 

And the song from afar 
Has swept over the world. 

Every hearth is aflame, and the Beautiful sing 
In the homes of the nations that Jesus is King. 

We rejoice in the light, 

And we echo the song 

That comes down through the night 
From the heavenly throng. 

Aye! we shout to the lovely evangel they bring, 
And we greet in his cradle our Savior and King! 




THE CHRISTMAS GUEST. 


23 


THE GHRISTMAS GUEST. 

Helen Angell Goodwin. 

Night in the Baron’s castle, 

Night on the windy moor; 

The best of nights for the very rich, 

And the very worst for the poor. 

For the yule-log blazed in the ancient hold, 

And the beggar shrank from the biting cold. 

The Baron’s only daughter, 

The little Lady Grace, 

Was better dressed than any guest, 

And fairer in the face. 

But never a thought of pride had she, 

As they gaily danced ’round the Christmas tree. 

When lo ! an ill-clad stranger 
Stood in the firelight’s glow. 

His head was bare, his golden hair 
All wet with melting snow. 

** Whence comest thou ? ” the children cried— 
But only a dim, sweet smile replied. 

“ It is the little Christ Child,” 

Low spake the Lady Grace. 

“ I dreamed last night that a halo bright 
Shone ’round that very face. 

And He said: ‘Be sure you have eyes to see, 
For I shall stand by your Christmas tree. ’ 



24 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


“So when they spread the table 
A chair I bade them set 

At my right hand, for a guest more grand 
Than all assembled yet. 

And my mother said, when the servants smiled. 

‘Tis the second sight. Obey the child. ’ ” 

Then all the noisy children 
Were silent for a space; 

But no one heard him speak a word 
Though the smile grew on his face. 

Till they saw a halo, pure and faint, 

’Round the stranger’s head, like a pictured saint. 

In strides the stately Baron 
To view the children’s cheer. 

“Who has the place by the Lady Grace ? 
How came this beggar here ?” 

Said the Lady Grace: “God pardon thee! 

The little Christ-Child dines with me.” 

The Baron staggers backward 
And smites upon his breast. 

Before him stands, with clasped hands, 

One more unbidden guest. 

“ Hast now come back here from the dead, 

Grace, my sister Grace?” he said. 


THE CHRISTMAS GUEST. 


25 


“They told you falsely, brother; 

Seven years ago to-day, 

With a father’s blame and a blighted name 
I left the castle gray. 

But at Christmas time of every year 
I have stood outside and seen you here. 

‘ ‘ My boy comes always with me, 

Or else I could not come. 

He will ever be like a babe to me, 

For he is deaf and dumb. 

He slipped from sight when my head was bowed. 
And I saw him next in the youthful crowd. 

4 * Among the happy children 
I left my smiling boy 
For light and heat and enough to eat 
Are all he can enjoy. 

But I’ll take him now and go away 
And come no more on Christmas-Day. ” 

“Nay then,” replied the Baron; 

“Thou shalt not go again, 

Thy seven years of toil and tears 
Amid the scorn of men 
Are enough, insooth, for a life time long, 

And we’ve all done wrong; we’ve all done wrong." 


26 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


There followed hearty greeting 
Where people wept and smiled; 

And the Lady Grace, with a warm embrace, 
Welcomed the silent child. 

But she wept that night on her mother’s breast 
That the Christ-Child had not been her guest. 

“Nay grieve thee not, my daughter. 

The Christ of God has come. 

But he chose to speak through a woman, weak, 
And a child who is deaf and dumb. 

‘ And as ye have done ’ in the Book, saith He, 

‘To the least of mine, ye have done to me.’” 

SUGGESTIONS. 

This poem may be given with moving tableaux and a fine effect 
produced. The scene should show the banquet table, guests, Baron, 
Little Lady Grace, her mother, the deaf mute child and his mother, 
each following the movement of the poem, at the proper place. 

The reading should be given feelingly, but without affectation— 
either with or without the tableaux. 


KITTIE TO SANTA CLAUS. 

Jolly old Kriss, what a fellow you are 
Riding all over the world in the air, 

Sliding down chimneys through ashes and smoke, 
Fur-covered Kriss, you’re a regular joke. 



THE DRIVER’S CHRISTMAS. 


27 


How do you manage to carry such loads ? 

How do you manage to keep the right roads ? 

How do you know all the good girls and boys? 

Why don’t we wake with your clatter and noise? 

How can you guess what we all like best? 

How can you please all the birds in the nest? 

What are you doing the rest of the year? 

Sleeping, I s’pose, with your little reindeer. 

If I thought you’d appear with a shout and a caper, 

Jolly and fat like the one in the paper, 

I’d keep awake; but I know that you stay, 

When children are watching, quite out of the way. 

SUGGESTIONS. 

The above may be recited by a little girl or boy, at any entertain¬ 
ment where Santa Claus is to appear. The child should do this in a 
simple, conversational tone, while S. C. moves from place to place, 
decorating the tree, filling stockings or loading up. Fun may be 
gotten out of this. 


THE DRIVER’S CHRISTMAS. 

by Mrs. M. L. Rayne. 

“Yes, sir, it is a pleasant time, as you say, for 
many folks; and it is a good work for those who have 
their fill of happiness and to spare, to look them up 
that are less fortunate. It seems now to me, as if I 





28 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


never want to hear of Christmas and its pleasures, 
without wishing myself dead.” 

“You see it’s only one man’s experience, but there’s 
plenty like it in the world. No, I don’t mind telling 
you ; it can’t make it any harder. Kitty—that’s my 
wife, sir—and I were young and strangers when we 
came out West to start in life ; and she was kind of deli¬ 
cate and not used to roughing it, while I was a farmer’s 
son and was more accustomed to hard fare. I never 
could tell how Kitty loved me first, or why she ever 
loved me at all, poor girl; but we were in love with 
each other from the time we attended the district school 
together, and I was only too happy when she promised 
to be my wife; and though her folks were unwilling, 
and tried to make a lady of her—she was one always, 
God bless her—we were married at last with their full 
consent and came West to live. 

“Maybe you have heard of misfortune following a 
man, sir”; well, I was that man. We had enough be¬ 
tween us to start a neat little business, and were get¬ 
ting on nicely, when, in one night, it burned down, 
and not a penny of insurance. Then I got a situation 
in a store, and baby Kitty was born and died, and that 
made my wife low-spirited, and she was not over 
strong; and last winter, you will remember, was a hard 
one. I wanted her to go home and stay a bit, and be 
nursed well by her folks; but my dear girl smiled and 


THE DRIVER'S CHRISTMAS. 


29 


put one thin arm around my neck, and asked : * Do 

you want me to go, Dick?’ and I saw she had cast in 
her lot with me for better or for worse, and it did seem 
as if it was all worse.” 

There was a long silence, during which the driver 
flicked the ears of the leaders with his whip, and looked 
sad and thoughtful, and the passenger on the box won¬ 
dered if he would get home in time for Christmas, and 
if the driver was hurrying for him or on his own 
account to meet Kitty, and he said at last: 

“You got out of the woods, all right, did you?” 

“O, it was about last Christmas I was telling you 
sir, wasn’t it ? At least that’s what led to it. Well, 

just as I was getting on my feet again, I took down 

with rheumatic fever, and for two months I never 
walked a step and all that time Kitty took care of me. 
When I got up I noticed the furniture was all gone 

but the bed I lay on, a table and stove, and 

Kitty was as thin as a ghost. There never was 
such a brave little girl. She declared she wouldn’t ask 
for help from strangers; and as to writing home of 
her trouble she never would do it. I knew, sir, 
some help must be had and I wrote a plain state¬ 
ment of the case to my father, and asked for money 
enough to help me start fresh, and I did not tell Kitty. 
It broke my heart to see her looking so wretched, and 
her love and care for me were like a reproach; but I 


30 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


got out at last, and then, sir, she took to her bed—just 
worn out. The first day I was able to be on the street 
I went to the man that owns these horses, and proprie¬ 
tor of the biggest livery in town, and said to him: 

“For God’s sake, give me a job ! ” 

“ I knew him a little you see; and if he had guessed 
I was hard up he would have helped me sooner; but 
that was my pride. 

“Come down to-morrow evening and I’ll talk to 
you,” he said. I knew then that he would help me on 
my feet again. 

‘* The next day Kitty slept most of the day, but 
when it came time to go out I roused her up a bit, to 
tell her what I was going out for. She smiled kind of 
sad, and put her arms—O, so thin they were—round 
my neck. 

‘ Dear old fellow! ’ she said, * you’ve had a hard 
time of it; kiss me, Dick, and tell me again that you 
love me ! ’ 

‘ ‘That went through my heart like a knife; but I 
smoothed her curls back from her white forehead, and 
told her to cheer up, better times were coming. 

“ ‘What day is this?’ she asked, kind of solemn-like. 

“‘It’s the day before Christmas, ’ I said, ‘and I’m 
going to have a feast to-night when I come back. It’s 
Christmas Eve, and you shall hang up your stocking. 
Kitty; wait and see what I’ll bring back to you ! * 


THE DRIVER'S CHRISTMAS. 


31 


“ She smiled a little and reached both hands around 
my neck. 

“ * Kiss me good night,’ she said, ‘ or good bye! ' 

“ ‘I’ll kiss you for luck, my baby,’ I cried; ‘and now 
just go to sleep till I get back with the good things 
I’m going after.’ 

“ She lay looking at the moonlight, and I drew the 
thin, old quilt and her own shawl close about her to 
keep her warm—for there was hardly a coal of fire left 
—and went out whistling to keep her courage up, and 
my own too. I went first to the post-office, where the 
evening mail was being distributed to a crowd—letters, 
presents; something, it seemed, for everybody, but for 
me there was nothing. The livery proprietor was my 
only hope. What if he failed ? 

“Well, sir, he did not; he gave me work to begin 
on the next week when I was stronger and he handed 
me a week's pay in advance. On my way back some¬ 
thing prompted me to look in at the post-office again, 
and there was my letter; it had been overlooked in the 
hurry, and my father had sent me what I had asked for 
and a line of good cheer besides. I was nearly crazy 
with excitement; but I stopped long enough to fill a 
basket with good things and to order more for the next 
day. When I got home our poor room was all in a 
glory with the moonlight, and that and the bells ring¬ 
ing made it so solemn that I quieted down into a feel- 


32 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


ing of thankfulness, and I didn’t wait to get a light, 
but went and sat down on the bed by Kitty and said: 

“‘Wake up, my girl! Our luck has changed. 
I’ve got work and money; and our troubles are all 
over. Kitty, darling, wake up and see what I’ve 

brought you’-and—and— 

“ ‘Well,’ said the passenger, drawing a long breath, 
as the man paused, ‘go on ! and—and—’ 

“ ‘Kitty was dead, sir!” 


PANTOMIME. 

CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE STREET 

In One Scene. 

Characters and Costumes: Policeman , large and in regulation 
uniforn; two firemen , fireman’s costume, one carrying trumpet and 
pail, the other a ladder and pail; newsboy , with papers; young lady 
and gentleman, ordinary costume—lady wearing fur cape and carrying 
muff; old gentleman , with white hair and beard—wears muffler, large 
cap, carries cane, stoops as he walks; beggar girl, poorly clad, carrying 
empty basket; minister , in black suit, silk hat, white neck-tie, kid 
gloves ; tramp , hands in pocket, rough-looking cap on back of head, 
trousers tucked into boots, no overcoat, but collar of the one worn 
turned up to ears, Irish woman,* with full skirt of calico, big shoes, 
red shawl put on “ cornerwise,” hood, carrying basket of vegetables, 
groceries in packages, a chicken, etc.; Santa Claus in typical costume, 
and loaded according to tradition. 

Stage is barren of everything except whatever will help indicate a 


♦This character gives plenty of scope for fun. if taken by a boy and so announced. 






CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE STREET. 


3, 


street at night; lights dim; floor covered with white cloth, not fiat , 
but irregularly (things may be placed underneath to produce this effect) 
to represent snow; evergreen bushes near curtain at sides, and in the 
rear, powdered with lime ; window in background displays goods or 
toys (may be constructed of box—glass front is not necessary, though 
it should be lighted ) if preferred, the “window ” may be a frame, 
opening into a house, curtained, but with curtains sufficiently drawn 
to show family party within, and children at the window—but this 
requires deep stage. 

ACTION. 

Characters appear “by twos and threes and single,” as fancy and 
time dictate—some from one direction, some from the other. The 
movements of the policeman, tramp and beggar girl, are slow; of the 
firemen also when they return, but should be active when going to the 
fire. The other characters move more quickly; all are more or less 
covered with snow (made of torn paper, cotton batting in tufts, and 
flour—the latter can not be put upon the costumes of the well dressed.) 
Policeman, tramp, and beggar girl may each appear several times; the 
firemen twice (from opposite directions), the others but once. Girl 
appeals with outstretched hand to each traveler, and Irish woman 
divides her basket-load with her toward the last. Santa Claus and 
policeman are the “latest things out,” the former having met and 
loaded the beggar girl, and given the tramp a well-filled wallet. The 
cry for “Fire” should come from the outside and early in the 
“procession,” so that the return of the firemen does not awaken a sus¬ 
picion that it was a false alarm. As that is sounded everybody on the 
street hurries toward the scene—and new ones may be introduced, if 
you have other characters whom you wish to use in unimportant places. 

The plot gives scope for originality and may be added to, or some 
of it omitted, as circumstances permit or demand. 


34 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


THE SNOW ANGEL. 

by Wallace Bruce. 

The sleigh bells danced that winter night; 

Old Brattleborough rang with glee; 

The windows overflowed with light; 

Joy ruled each hearth and Christmas-tree. 

But to one the bells and mirth were naught: 

His soul with deeper joy was fraught. 

He waited until the guests were gone; 

He waited to dream his dream alone, 

And the night wore on. 

Alone he stands in the quiet night, 

He piles the snow in the village square; 

With spade for chisel, a statue white 
From the crystal quarry rises fair. 

No light save the stars to guide his hand, 

But the image obeys his soul’s command. 

The sky is draped with fleecy lawn; 

The stars grow pale in the early dawn ; 

But the lad toils on. 

And lo! in the morn the people came 
To gaze at the wondrous vision there, 

And they called it * 4 The Angel, ” divining its name, 
For it came in silence and unaware fl 




THE SNOW ANGEL. 


35 


It seemed no mortal hand had wrought 
The uplifted face of prayerful thought; 

But its features wasted beneath the sun , 

Its life went out ere the day was done; 

And the lad dreamed on. 

And his dream was this: In the years to be 
I will carve the angel in lasting stone. 

In another land beyond the sea, 

I will toil in darkness, and dream alone. 

While others sleep I will find a way 
Up through the night to the light of day. 

There’s nothing desired, beneath star or sun, 
Which patient genius hasn’t won. 

And the boy toiled on. 

The years go by. He has wrought with might 
He has gained renown in the land of art— 
But the thought inspired that Christmas night 
Still kept its place in the sculptor’s heart. 
And the dream of the boy, that melted away 
In the light of the sun, that winter day, 

Is embodied at last, in enduring stone— 
Snow Angel in marble—his purpose won. 
And the man toils on. 


36 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


THE ANGELIC SONG. 


Ivy English. 

While the stars are silent shining, and the world is 
hushed in sleep, 

I can hear the angels singing in a chorus grand and 
deep. 

Come the strains from far-off* hillsides, through the 
vista of long years. 

Listen to the wondrous story angels chant to listening 
ears! 

Sweet and low, now louder swelling, till the heavenly 
arches ring! 

To the wondering shepherds telling “Christ is born! 
Redeemer! King!” 

Following in glad attendance when he left His throne 
above, 

Lingering, hovering, till the Christ Child lay in Mary’s 
arms of love. 

How their pinions softly fluttered as the promised hour 
drew nigh! 

With what tender voices uttered all the strange, sweet 
mystery, 

Till the wonder was accomplished, then they sang their 
triumph song, 

Then across Judea’s waters rose their chorus full and 
strong! 




FILLING THE STOCKINGS. 


37 


Listen to the gracious “tidings to all people;” hear it 
still! 

“Tidings of great joy” and comfort, echoing from hill 
to hill! 

“Glory in the highest!” ringing, ringing ever on the 
air! 

“Peace and good will” ever bringing to each human 
heart a share ! 

Not in vain the angels’ joy-notes, not in vain the Christ 
was born; 

Millions join the heavenly anthem each returning 
Christmas morn. 

SUGGESTIONS. 

A chorus may be stationed in an adjoining room, to sing as 
occasion demands. At close of first stanza, something “ grand and 
deep. After second stanza, a chant, “low and sweet.” After the 
sixth, something “full and strong.” Finally, any good Christmas 
anthem. (See list on last pages.) 


PANTOMIME. 

FILLING THE STOCKINGS. 


In One Scene. 

Curtain rises discovering family room in usual condition when 
Santa Claus is expected. Stockings hung on chairs, in pairs; light 
all out except in grate. Things none too orderly—so that Santa 
occasionally tumbles. He enters from rear, with pack on back (a big 





38 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


coffee sack, with open mouth) from which one may see dolls, toys and 
whip sticking out; carries various packages, large and small, and a 
drum not wrapped. Relieves himself of his load, sometimes winking 
at audience and showing what he means to put in this stocking, what 
in that. He moves swiftly but quietly until all is done, then “loads 
up” as before, buttons up great coat, waves “adieu” to audience and 
disappears. 

Curtain . 


CHRISTMAS MORNING. 

Christmas morning, and broad daylight! 
Who do you think was here last night? 
Bundled in furs from top to toe; 

I won’t tell, for I think you know. 

Who was it came from cold Snowland, 
Driving gaily his eight-in-hand, 

Sleigh piled up with wonderful toys ? 

Who was it? Tell me, girls and boys. 

Who was it down the chimney crept, 

While everybody soundly slept; 

Filled the stockings, and tapped them all 
With “ Merry Christmas, one and all.” 

Who went back ’neath the bright starlight, 
Reindeer scampering with all their might ? 
I won’t tell, for it’s very clear, 

If you are good, he’ll come next year. 



THE CHILDREN'S DAY. 


39 


Christmas morning, and hurry away, 

Cousins and aunties are waiting to-day, 

Waiting to welcome the big and the small, 

Hark! hear them shout ‘ ‘Merry Christmas to all. ” 

SUGGESTIONS. 

The above recitation maybe given after the pantomime “Filling 
the Stockings,” p. 37. 

The “shout” may be given by outside crowd, and with a variety of 
tone, accent and time—but with “volume.” 


TABLEAUX. 

THE CHILDREN’S DAY. 

I. Preparation. 2. Filling the Stockings. 3. Christmas Morning. 

CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES. 

Father ; in dressing gown and slippers. 

Mother; ordinary house dress, covered with white apron. 

Children; oldest in usual suits, but with appearance of hastily made 
toilets—shoes unbuttoned, hair tumbled, etc. Youngest in night robe 
of white (thrown on over clothing) with bare feet. 

First Scene. Curtain rises, showing sitting room with mantel-piece 
in background; mother at center-table on which is lamp, packages in 
manilla paper, dolPs clothing, books just taken out of papers, etc.; 
father in foreground at left, undoing packages. Large bundles, still 
tied, on floor at right. 

Second Scene. Stockings are hung in pairs, one on each chair, on 
which lies and hangs clothing that belongs to the child whose stock¬ 
ings are there. Shoes or boots placed by each chair. Father is 





40 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


filling stockings at one chair in center of foreground, mother at 
another, near. Bundles have all been opened, papers lying on the 
floor. Some stockings have been filled. 

Third Scene. Father and mother in rear, standing, father’s hands 
in pockets, no coat on, hair somewhat rumpled; mother in wrapper, 
hair hastily put up, both watching the proceedings of the children; 
baby in front, in large chair with arms, her red stockings in her lap, 
one nearly empty, looking into the others; one girl near, displaying 
large doll, dressed; boy with cornet at his mouth; an older girl at 
left of baby with large new book; smaller boy with skates. 


AROUND THE WORLD WITH SANTA CLAUS. 

(Adapted.) 

A Geographical Recreation. 

Come if you wish to join us; jump quickly in the sleigh; 

Our reindeer team is ready, and we’ll soon be underway. 

Around the world with Santa Claus we’re going to take 
our flight, 

At speed that beats Miss Nellie Bly completely out of 
sight. 

Though we may travel well enough on dry land with a 
team, 

When we wish to cross the ocean we have to take to 
steam. 

Old Santa much enjoys the trip, and says there’s noth* 
ing finer 

Than to sniff the breeze upon the deck of a crack 
“Atlantic liner.” 





AROUND THE WORLD WITH SANTA CLAUS. 


41 


The voyage o'er, without mishap we land in Britain's 
isle, 

And take a cab, on top of which our trunks and traps 
we pile. 

The jolly school boys Santa spy, and give him lots of 
chaff— 

But at that game he’s quite their match, and on them 
turns the laugh. 

For those who love good feeding here’s a sight that’s 
very jolly— 

Plum pudding most delicious and boar’s head decked 
with holly. 

Of old, in Merrie England, they were borne on Christ¬ 
mas day 

Unto the castle table, in this stately, pompous way. 

The guests, no doubt, delayed not to clear them from 
the plate, 

For good things tasted then as well as at the present 
date. 

In the frosty land of Norway, folks fasten to their feet 

Long wooden skates called skees, with which they travel 
most complete. 

So Santa and his party put on a pair of these, 

And down the icy hill-sides dart through the wintry 
breeze. 


42 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


To the ever-frozen regions of the Northern Frigid Zone, 

To the home of seal and walrus, and the Esquimau 
we’ve flown. 

But though this chilly atmosphere may suit the Polar 
Bear, 

We think that for our own part we prefer a milder air. 

So not very much extended will be our visit here. 

And we soon shall take departure for a climate not so 
drear. 

Our next scene lies in Germany. There, we find, appears 

Black Rupert, a grim fiend, whom every youngster fears. 

Beside him is the Christ-child, arrayed in garments 
white, 

While St. Peter, with his keys in hand, stands forth 
upon his right. 

In the center is St. Nicholas, the Bishop, kind and good, 

Who’s the friend of all young people that behave just 
as they should. 

To every house the party comes on Christmas Eve, to 
hear 

How all the little boys and girls have acted through 
the year. 

For those who’ve not been naughty, nor parents caused 
to grieve, 

Upon the lighted Christmas-tree they pretty presents 
leave. 

But those of whose behavior they get a bad report, 

Receive a gift from Rupert, not of a pleasant sort. 


AROUND THE WORLD WTIH SANTA CLAUS. 


43 


On Christmas Eve in Holland, through queer old peak- 
roofed towns, 

St. Nicholas, the kind-hearted, on a donkey goes his 
rounds 

With nice presents in his basket, for each obedient 
child, 

And a switch to whip the naughty ones, who have 
been bad or wild. 

“The Bambino ” tableau forms in Italy’s fair clime— 
A favorite pageant at the merry Christmas time 
The crib is shown of Jesus, the little Holy Child, 

With his virgin mother, Mary—and Joseph kind and mild. 

Shepherds adore, and angels above 

Chant their message of peace and Christmas love— 

While Bethelhem’s star sends down its ray 

To guide the Wise men on their way. 

O’er the lonely sterile wastes of Arabia’s desert land 
No beasts except the camels can travel through the sand. 
So Santa Claus upon their backs bestows his precious 
freight, 

And climbs aloft himself, to ride in solemn state. 

To have it warm at Christmas, to us seems very queer. 
But in Australia’s golden land it’s the warmest time of 
year. 

Santa can’t find reindeer here; so the only thing to do 
Is to travel ’round upon the back of a bounding Kan¬ 
garoo. 


44 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


Our journey o’er, we enjoy a feast, with Santa as the 
host, 

And wind up the festivities with this most cordial toast: 

“ Here’s a health to Santa Claus, the friend to girls and 
boys; 

May his heart be ever full of mirth—his pack be full of 
toys.” 

SUGGESTIONS. 

The above recitation is prepared for this number with a special 
view to the needs of rural school rooms. It may be used in several 
ways—with appropriate tableaux, a pantomime or a geographical rec¬ 
itation, pointing to the various places mentioned ; or with a child in 
costume to come in after the reading of each stanza, taking a place on 
the stage and remaining there until the end of the reading—when all 
join in a fancy march or drill. 


PANTOMIME. 

ON THE QUIET. 

Characters and Costumes : Widow in plain black dress; hair 
parted and combed down over her ears; white rolling collar (may be 
made of paper) and clean white apron; little boy, five or six years 
old, scant, thin clothing, holey shoes; girl a little younger, poorly 
clad—but none of them ragged nor dirty; two young ladies in warm- 
out-of-door costumes. 

First Scene. 

Curtain rises showing widow and children in plainly-furnished 
room, small fire in a poor stove (may be a kerosene “heater”); dim 
amp on supper-table, scantily supplied; widow faces audience, seated 



ON THE QUIET. 


45 


at side of the table; boy at one end; girl at the other. Girl passes 
bowl for milk, receives a little; boy passes his bowl, gets the last 
drop. Girl passes plate for more bread; gets the last crust. Widow 
eats nothing, but pours and drinks tea, occasionally wiping a tear 
away, quietly, that the children may not see. Girl again passes 
bowl; mother shakes head and sorrowfully shows, by upturning 
pitcher, that there is no milk; boy asks for bread with same result. 
Children look at each other and laugh ; the little girl gets down and 
goes around to her mother, climbing up in her lap, putting arms 
about neck, laying head on shoulder, and occasionally kissing her. 
All leave table and mother clears it—boy and girl helping at first, 
then playing about room while mother sits at the table from which 
dishes and cloth have been removed. She sews on heavy “ shopwork ” 
with very serious face which lights up when appealed to by either 
child, who play with less and less zeal, finally coming to mother’s 
knee to pray and kiss her good-night, finally disappearing through 
door at side. Widow gives away to grief after they have gone, but 
keeps trying to recover herself and sew. Knock is heard at door 
opposite that out of which the children went. Widow goes to 
door and admits two young ladies, each bearing a basket filled 
with “Christmas cheer,” one having groceries and a cake, a chicken, 
apples, etc.; the other having clothing, toys, books, etc. Young 
ladies empty baskets, putting things on table, while widow expresses 
gratitude in the face and by dumb show. After young ladies go out, 
she retires to rear of room and kneels by chair. 

Curtain falls and low, soft music plays behind curtain. 

Second Scene. 

Mother and children around breakfast table , amply supplied, and 
with books, toys, etc., on table, children constantly leaving table to 
get or see something else. All look happy. 

Curtain , with jolly Christmas chorus sung. 


46 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


JACK FROST AND THE CHRISTMAS TREE. 

S. J. Burke. 

Away up at the North Pole 
Lives Jack Frost. 

Sir John Franklin went hunting for him, 

And that’s how he got lost. 

For though Old Jack goes traveling around 
Calling on high and low 
He never asks people to visit him 
In his palace of ice and snow. 

But there he lives at his ease 
All the summer long, 

Dining on ice-cream, 

And drinking ice-water— strong! 

There where the “midnight sun” 

Outshines the Northern stars 
He holds his court and smokes 
Icicles for cigars ! 

But when the winter comes 
The old fellow shakes himself, 

Oders out his sleigh 

And takes the whip from the shelf. 

And making all tight and fast, 

Like a householder wise and true, 

He comes down here to see 
What mischief he can do. 




JACK FROST AND THE CHRISTMAS TREE. 


47 


Betaking himself to the woods 
He pinches with fingers cold, 

The chestnut and maple trees 

And they flame with scarlet and gold. 
The vines and the sumacs, too, 

Turn brilliant red with rage. 

And he showers on the ground 
The loveliest foliage. 

But when he comes to the pines 
The hemlocks and cedars, too, 

He says, ‘ ‘Let them keep their leaves- 
’Twould never, never do 
To spoil the children’s fun 
By laying these branches low. 

Santa Claus will soon be here 

Looking for Christmas trees, I know. 

And so my little folks, 

As the Christmas time draws near, 
Old Santa Claus goes with his hatchet 
Out in the woods so drear. 

And wherever he sees a tree 
With dark leaves overgrown, 

With a chuckle, nod and wink, 

He marks it for his own. 


48 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


THE LAMENT OF A LEFT-OVER DOLL. 

I’m a left-over doll, and I grieve to relate 
How sad is my fortune, how lonely my fate; 

For I had no notion that I should lie here, 

Forlorn and neglected, at this time of year. 

Oh, long before Christmas they dressed me up fine— 
Nodollie had clothes any better than mine; 

And I rather imagine I looked very nice, 

As many fair ladies inquired my price. 

I was handled and dandled and fondly caressed, 

My beauty admired, my value confessed. 

And yet for some reason or other was I 
Put back in the show case; the buyer went by. 

One dear little maiden came into the store; 

She saw me and for me began to implore. 

She said that there wasn’t a doll in the place 
With a handsomer dress or a lovelier face. 

She stared at me long, so of course I stared back, 
And saw that her eyes were a beautiful black. 

I wanted to speak, but I couldn’t because 
I hadn’t been made with a hinge in my jaws. 

I dreamed about Christmas, and how I should be 
Stuck into a stocking or up on a tree— 

Then carried about in my dear owner’s arms 
That all might admire my wonderful charms. 


THE LAMENT OF A LEFT-OVER DOLL. 


49 


But Santa Claus came, and he went on his way 
And took with him many a doll I dare say, 

But as I've a chance to look round me I find 
That dozens and dozens have been left behind. 

If you were a left-over dolly yourself 
You'd know how I feel, lying here on the shelf 
So long after Christmas, and you wouldn’t expect 
Me to smile at Old Santa Claus’ cruel neglect. 

They’ve marked down my price; and I very much fear 
That those who buy cheaply will hold me less dear; 

And the army of curious shoppers I shun, 

Since I had no part in the holiday fun. 

SUGGESTIONS. 

The above may be given with tableaux or as a pantomimic reading; 
or a little girl (or boy) may be dressed like a handsome doll, and per¬ 
sonate it, stiffly sitting on chair, making only stiff awkward move* 
ments and speaking in machine-like way. 


CHRISTMAS MORNING. 

St. Nicholas. 

They put me in the great spare bed 
And there they bade me sleep. 

I mustn’t stir; I mustn’t wake ; 

I mustn’t even peep ! 




50 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


Right opposite that lonely bed, 

My Christmas stocking hung, 

While near it, waiting for the morn, 

My Sunday clothes were flung. 

I counted softly, to myself, 

To ten, and ten times ten. 

I went through all the alphabet, 

And then went through again. 

I repeated that Fifth Reader piece, 

A poem called “ Repose," 

And tried a dozen other ways 
To fall into a doze— 

When suddenly the room grew light. 

I heard a soft, strong bound. 

’Twas Santa Claus, I felt quite sure, 

But dared not look around. 

*Twas nice to know that he was there 
And things were going rightly, 

And so I took a little nap 
And tried to smile politely. 

“ Ho! Merry Christmas ! " cried a voice; 
I felt the bed a rocking. 

’Twas daylight! Brother Bob was up— 
And oh, that splendid stocking! 


THE CHILDREN’S GIFTS.-MERRY CHRISTMAS. 


51 


THE CHILDREN’S GIFTS. 

What shall little children bring 

On Christmas Day, on Christmas day ? 

What shall little children bring 

On Christmas Day in the morning ? 

This shall little children bring 

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day: 

Love and joy from Christ their King 
On Christmas Day in the morning! 

(Let the little tots be divided into two “squads” to give the above 
in concert; first half first two lines, last half next two lines; all the 
next stanza, repeating it.) 


MERRY CHRISTMAS. 

Merry Christmas, dear Papa! 

Merry Christmas, kind Mamma I 

Don’t you hear me knocking ? 

Don’t you know the morning’s here ? 

Wake up papa, Mamma dear ! 

Oh, oh, see my stocking! ! 

(Little girl goes to door at rear of stage but discovers stocking and 
rushes toward it.) 



52 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


A DISTANT CAROL. 

Katherine Van Harlingen, in Harper’s Weekly, 

Mark, 

Leaning from the casement dark, 

How the keen, star-kindled light 
Of the pulseless winter night, 

Glints upon the bosom white 
Of the frozen earth, 

Drear, ev’n for that wond’rous birth, 
Lofty, lowly, 

Human, holy, 

Whereat now all men rejoices, 

Hark! a distant choir of voices 
In a Christmas carol blending, 

To the sparkling sky ascending, 

Hear the far chimes’ measured ringing 
Faintly blended with the singing; 

Sinking, soaring, 

Soft, adoring; 

Midnight now hath found a tongue 
As though the choired stars that sung 
High circling over them 
That watched in Bethelem, 

Were echoing, echoing still, 

Peace and good-will, 
Good-will. 




A CHRISTMAS EVE ADVENTURE. 


53 


Peace and good-will to men, 

The voices wake again, 

Soft chimes their tones repeat, 

Oh, far-heard message sweet, 

So faintly heard as yet 

That men forget, 

Forget. 

Come nearer; louder swell! 

Soar, voices ! Peal, clear bell! 

Wake echoes that shall last 
Till all the year be past! 

When yuletide comes again, 

Still may Good-will to men 
Be echoing, echoing still— 

Peace and good-will, 

Good-will. 

SUGGESTIONS. 

Let the last four words of each stanza be given by large class with 
full volume and echoed by sweet voices in adjoining room. All join 
in last stanza and echo as before. 


A CHRISTMAS EVE ADVENTURE. 

M. M. 

Once on a time, in a queer little town, 

On the shore of the Zuyder Zee, 

When all the good people were fast asleep, 
A strange thing happened to me! 





54 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


Alone the night before Christmas, 

I sat by the glowing fire, 

Watching the flame as it rose and fell, 

While the sparks shot high and higher. 

Suddenly one of those sparks began 
To flicker, glimmer and wink— 

Like a bright big eye, till I hardly knew 
What to do or to say or to think. 

Quick as a flash it changed to a face* 

And what in the world did I see 
But dear old Santa Claus nodding his head 
And waving his hand to me! 

“ Oh, follow me ! follow me ! ” soft he cried— 
And up through the chimney with him 
I mounted, not daring to utter a word 
Till we stood on the chimney’s rim. 

“Now tell me, I beg you, dear Santa Claus, 
Where am I going with you ? ” 

He laughingly answered, “Why dont you know? 
To travel the wide world through ! 

“ From my crystal palace, far in the North, 

I have come since dark,—and see 
These curious things for the little folks 
Who live on the Zuyder Zee. ” 


A CHRISTMAS EVE ADVENTURE. 


55 


Then seating himself in his reindeer sledge, 

And drawing me down by his side 

He whistled, and off on the wings of the wind 
We flew for our midnight ride. 

But first, such comical presents he left 
For the little Dutch girls and boys,— 

Onions and sausages, wooden faced dolls, 
Cheeses and gingerbread toys! 

Away we hurried far to the South, 

To the beautiful land of France ; 

And there we showered the loveliest gifts— 
Flaxen haired dolls that could dance. 

Soldiers that marched at the word of command 
Necklaces, bracelets and rings. 

Tiny gold watches, all studded with gems, 

And hundreds of exquisite things. 

Crossing the Channel we made a short call 
In Scotland and Ireland, too; 

Left a warm greeting for England and Wales, 
Then over the ocean we flew— 

Straight to America, where by myself, 

Perched on a chimney high, 

I watched him scramble and bustle about 
Between the earth and sky. 


56 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


Many a stocking he filled to the brim, 

And numberless Christmas trees 
Burst into bloom at his magical touch! 

Then all of a sudden a breeze 

Caught us and bore us away to the South, 
And afterward blew us “ out West; ” 

And never till dawn peeped over the hills 
Did we stop for a moment’s rest. 

“Christmas is coming ! ” he whispered to me, 
“You can see his smile in the sky. 

I wish Merry Christmas to all the world! 

My work is over,—good-bye ! ” 

Like a flash he was gone, and I was alone,— 
For all this happened to me 
Once on a time, in a queer little town 
On the shore of the Zuyder Zee! 


A CHRISTMAS PARTY. 

By Will Carleton. 

Trim up the parlors, Good-wife, and make them extra 
gay; 

I'm going to have a party, on this cold Christmas day; 
The friends that are invited will be here—do not doubt! 
I’ll go myself and bring them, if they do not come 
without. 





A CHRISTMAS PARTY. 


5/ 


Yes, you have been a-guessing, perhaps a month or two, 

About my Christmas party, and what I mean to do; 

The first whose invitations have been left all to me; 

You’re not quite sure concerning the guests you’re 
going to see. 

Our children? No, not this time; they’ve children of 
their own, 

Whose Christmas trees are bending with presents 
newly grown; 

They’ve got their life-vines planted, with love-flowers 
all about— 

Just what we worked so hard for, when first we started 
out. 

Our cousins?—Well, not this time; ’tisn’t what the 
plan intends; 

They’re all quite earthly-prosperous, with any amount 
of friends ; 

The world is always offering success an upward hitch; 

But Christmas wasn’t invented entirely for the rich. 

Our preacher and his family?—They’re working now, 
like sin, 

A-sorting out the slippers and other gifts sent in ; 

One turkey that I knew of is on their kitchen-blaze; 

A cheery, popular preacher has good times, now-a-days! 

You don’t know who you’ve cooked for?—Well, that 
is most too bad; 

Of course you’ve no cur’os’ty—no woman ever had. 


58 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


But still, your hands and heart, wife, have well nigh 
gone to war; 

A woman works much happier, when she knows who 
it’s for. 

I’ll tel1 you one:—a cripple that you and I both know, 

Is living in a small hut, half buried in the snow— 

His body bravely struggling to coax his soul to stay; 

I’m going to get that cripple, and keep him here all day. 

And one’s a poor old woman we’ve never called our 
friend, 

But whose sad life grows heavy while struggling to its 
end— 

Without a merry Christmas for twenty winters drear; 

To-day she’ll have a pic-nic to last her all the year. 

And one’s an old-style preacher; brim-full of heavenly 
truth, J 

Whose eloquence lost fashion, or ran off with his youth; 

And younger men and prettier, with flowery words 
came nigh; 

And so the various churches have stood the old man by; 

He tried his best to please them and serve Jehovah too— 

He toiled each separate Sunday to “get up something 
new; ” 

They wanted elocution, and curvey-gestered speech; 

And now this grand old preacher can’t get a place to 
preach. 


A CHRISTMAS PARTY. 


59 


But I’ve a strong opinion, that angels crowd up near 

That man-deserted leader, his God-like thoughts to 
hear:— 

We’ll have a Bible-chapter made over good as new, 

When he to-day talks Gospel, and asks the blessing 
too! 

“And who else?”—I have sent word to all in my 
mind’s way, 

Who can’t afford a dinner that’s equal to The Day; 

And some good prosperous friends, too, will come with 
smiling face, 

To keep those poor from feeling that they’re a separate 
race. 

And one of them’s a neighbor; who, though sincere, no 
doubt, 

Once couldn’t quite understand me—and so we two 
fell out; 

And every Sunday morning we’ve passed each other’s 
door, 

And have not known each other for fifteen years or more. 

I went to him last evening, and said, “ Old friend, see 
here; 

We’re both tip-top good fellows; now doesn’t it strike 
you queer, 

That we’re assisting Satan to sow the grain of strife? 

Come over, sure, to-morrow, and bring along your wife. 


60 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


“Just come and help us, helping some poor ones draw 
their load, 

Who’ve stalled upon the side-hills of Life’s uneven 
roads.” 

He looked at me in wonder—then stood a moment still— 

Then grasped my hands, and whispered, “ My dear old 
friend, I will.” 

I think you’re with me, Good-wife, from what your 
features say; 

And that’s the kind of comp’ny we’re going to have 
to-day— 

Through which I hope a true love for all mankind may 
roam; 

A sort of Christmas party where Christ would feel at 
at home. 

—Ladies Home Journal. 


THE TWO LITTLE STOCKINGS. 

Sarah Keables Hunt, 

Two little stockings hung side by side 
Close to the fireplace broad and wide. 
“Two?” said Saint Nick, as down he came, 
Loaded with toys and many a game. 

“Ho! ho!” said he, with a laugh of fun, 
“I’ll have no cheating, my pretty one; 

I know who dwells in this house, my dear; 
There’s only one little girl lives here.” 





THE TWO LITTLE STOCKINGS. 


61 


So he crept up close to the chimney-place 
And measured a sock, with a sober face. 

Just then a wee little note fell out 
And fluttered low, like a bird about. 

“Aha! what's this?” said he in surprise, 

As he pushed his specs up close to his eyes 
And read the address, in a child’s rough plan, 
“Dear Saint Nicholas,” so it began, 

“The other stocking you see on the wall 
I have hung for a child named Clara Hall. 

She’s a poor little girl, but very good; 

So I thought, perhaps, you kindly would 
Fill up her stocking, too, to-night, 

And help to make her Christmas bright. 

If you’ve not enough for both stockings there, 
Please put all in Clara’s; I shall not care.” 

Saint Nicholas brushed a tear from his eye, 

“God bless you, darling,” he said with a sigh. 
Then softly he blew through the chimney high 
A note like a bird’s when it soars on high. 

When down came two of the funniest mortals 
That ever were seen this side earth’s portals. 
“Hurry up !” said Saint Nick, “and nicely prepare 
All a little girl wants where money is rare.” 

Then, oh, what a scene there was in that room ! 
Away went the elves, but down from the gloom 
Of the sooty old chimney comes tumbling low 


62 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


A child’s whole wardrobe from head to toe. 

How Santa Claus laughed as he gathered them in 
And fastened each one to the sock with a pin! 

Right to the toe he hung a blue dress. 

“She’ll think it came from the sky, I guess,” 

Said Saint Nicholas, smoothing the folds of blue 
And tying the hood to the stocking, too. 

When all the warm clothes were fastened on, 

And both little socks were filled and done, 

Then Santa Claus tucked a toy here and there 
And hurried away to the frosty air, 

Saying, “God pity the poor and bless the dear child 
Who pities them too on this night so wild!” 

The wind caught the words and bore them on high 
Till they died away in the midnight sky, 

While Saint Nicholas flew through the icy air, 

Bringing “Peace and Good Will” with him everywhere, 

SUGGESTIONS. 

The above may be used with tableaux to illustrate it. 


CHRISTMAS COMES BUT ONCE A YEAR. 

Laura Rosamond White, in Frank Leslie’s. 

Christmas comes but once a year! 

Ring the bells of every steeple 
So the peonle, all the people, 

In the Christian world shall hear. 





CHRISTMAS COMES BUT ONCE A YEAR. 


63 


Emerald trees of precious splendor 
With their wondrous fruit surrender, 

And the gift-king will appear, 

Wherefore should I tell the story 
Of heavenly child of glory— 

Tale of sorrow and good cheer! 

You have heard it often spoken, 

And by many a treasure-token 
Have memorialized the tear 

And the gladness that commingled 
When the holy One was singled 
For the manger, cross and bier. 

Christmas comes but once a year! 

With its legend of the stocking, 

And the presence that—unknocking— 
Enters, ere bold chanticleer 

Calls in shrill and sturdy warning: 

* 4 It is mor-r-n-ing? It is mor-r-n-ing! ” 

In his matin, loud and clear; 

And the shadow-gate unlocking, 

Is so beautiful, so mocking, 

Arched by hope and barred by fear. 

Lovely spirits in robes of whiteness 
Leave their dreams with feet of lightness, 
As the day-dawn draweth near, 

And their cheeks are like June roses 


64 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


When their eager search discloses 
Christmas presents sweet and queer. 

Christmas comes but once a year! 

But to some it does not come 
Ever with remembrance dear. 

Some are poor and lone and weary, 

Sorely stricken and heart-dreary. 

Only He—pierced by the spear 
Till His side became a fountain, 

On the brow of Calvary’s mountain— 
Fathoms discipline severe. 

He can read the checkered blending 
Of the wrong and right unending— 
Seeming so to eyesight blear— 

’Tis the sphinx of man’s career. 

But ring bells from every steeple; 

Tell the happy, favored people 
Christmas gilds the dying year. 

SUGGESTIONS. 

Bell accompaniment in appropriate lines of first and last stanza, 
with triangle. Bells must be in harmony 


A CHRISTMAS CAROL. 


65 


A CHRISTMAS CAROL. 

Rev. A. J Ryan. 

(Adapted.) 

I’m sitting alone in my silent room 
This long December night, 

Watching the fire-flame fill the gloom 
With many a picture bright. 

But list! there soundeth a bell, 

With a mysterious ding, dong dell! 
Trembling along the gale, 

Under the stars and over the snow. 

Why is it? whence is it sounding so? 

Is it the toll of a bridal bell ? 

Or is it a spirit’s wail ? 

Solemnly, mornfully, 

Sad, and how lornfully! 

Ding, dong, dell! 

Whence is it ? who can tell ? 

And the marvelous notes they sink and swell, 
Sadder, and saddder, and sadder still, 

How the sounds tremble, how they thrill! 

Every tone 
So like a moan, 

As if the strange bells stranger clang, 
Throbbed with a terrible human pang, 




66 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


Ding,-dong, dell! 

Dismally—drearily— 

Ever so wearily. 

Far off and faint as a requiem plaint, 

Floats the deep-toned voice of the mystic bell. 
Piercingly—thrillingly— 

Icily—chillily— 

Near—and more near— 

Drear—and more drear— 

Soundeth the wild, weird, ding, dong, dell, 
Now sinking lower, 

It tolleth slower. 

I list and I hear it sound no more. 

It is a bell—yet not a bell 
Whose sound may reach the ear 1 
It tolls a knell, yet not a knell 
Which earthly sense may hear. 

In every soul a bell of dole 
Hangs ready to be tolled; 

And from that bell a funeral knell 
Is often, often rolled; 

And Memory is the sexton gray 
Who tolls the dreary knell; 

And nights like this he loves to sway 
And swing his mystic bell. 


A CHRISTMAS CAROL. 


67 


’Twas that I heard, and nothing more, 

This lonely Christmas Eve ; 

Then for the dead I’ll meet no more 
At Christmas let me grieve. 

Night, be a Priest! put your dark stole on, 
And murmur a holy prayer 
Over each grave, and for every one 
Lying down helpless there. 

* * * * 

Very low, in tender tones, 

The music pleads, the music moans ; 

I forgive and have forgiven 
The dead who died unshriven ! 

De Profundis! De Profundis l 

And the Pontiff night, with his dark stole on, 
Whispereth soft and low: 

‘ ‘ Requiescat! Requiescat! 

Peace, Peace ! to every one 
For whom we grieve this Christmas eve, 

In their graves beneath the snow. ” 

The stars in far-off Heaven 
Have long since struck eleven; 

And hark from temple! and tower 
Soundeth time's grandest midnight hour, 
Blessed by the Savior’s birth. 


68 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


And night putteth off his sable stole, 
Symbol of sound and sign of dole. 
For one with many a starry gem 
To honor this babe of Bethlehem. 

Sound the thrilling song, 

Let the Heavens ring. 

Roll the hymn along; 

Welcome, new-born King! 

Gloria in excelsis! 

In excelsis Deo ! 

Let us all rejoice, 

Swell the hymn on high, 

Lift each heart and voice, 

Sound it to the sky. 

Gloria in excelsis! 

In excelsis Deo! 

Sing it, sinful earth 
Over sea and land ! 

For the Savior’s birth 
Chant the anthem grand. 

Gloria in excelsis! 

In excelsis Deo! 

So the day is waking, 

In the East so far 


AN OLD ROUNDSMAN’S STORY. 


Dawn is fairly breaking, 

Sunk is every star. 

Merry, merry Christmas 
Scatter smiles and mirth. 

Merry, merry Christmas 
Hasten ’round the earth. 

SUGGESTIONS. 

Give the above as a Concert Exercise, dividing the class as sug¬ 
gested for “Christmas Bells,’’page io, and beginning with “Gloria in 
Excelsis.” Let the rest be given as an anthem or a chant. 

N. B. Let the sound of the words suggest their meaning through¬ 
out the recitation. 


AN OLD ROUNDSMAN’S STORY. 

Margaret Eytinge. 

So you’re a writer, and you think I could 
Tell you some story of the Christmas time— 
Something that happened to myself, which you, 
Having the rhyming knack, might put in rhyme ? 

Well, you are right. But of the yarns I mind 
The most are best untold, they are so sad. 

My beat’s the shadiest in the town, you know* 
Among the very poor and very bad. 





70 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


And yet, from one of its worst places, where 

Thieves gather who go ’round with murderous knives, 

A blessing came one Christmas day that brought 
My wife and me the sunshine of our lives. 

The night before I had at last run down 
Lame Jim, the captain of a river gang, 

Who never had been caught, although his deeds 
Were such that he deserved for them to hang. 

And as he sprang upon the dock I sprang 
Like lightning after him, and in a trice 

Fell through a trap door and went sliding 
Down upon a plank as slippery as ice. 

I drew my pistol as I slid, and when 

I struck the earth again, “Hands up!” I cried, 

“I’ve got you now,” and at the same time flashed 
The light of a dark lantern everyside. 

I’d landed in a big, square room, but no 
Lame Jim or any other rough was there— 

But from blankets spread upon the floor 

A child looked up at me with wondering stare— 

A little girl whose eyes shone like the stars, 

With sweet pale face and curly head. 

“Why did you come tho fatht? You woke me up, 
“And thcared me, too,” in lisping words she said. 


AN OLD ROUNDSMAN'S STORY. 


71 


* ‘But now I am not thcared, for I know you. 

4 ‘You’re Thanta Clauth. My thocking’th on the wall. 
“I with you Merry Chrithmuth. Whereth my toyeth? 
“I hope you brought a lovely cup and doll.” 

I never was so taken back, I vow: 

And while I speechless stood, Jim got away. 

“Who are you, pretty one?” at last I asked. 

“I ? Don’t you know ? Why, I am little May. 

“My mamma died the other night and went 
To heaven, and papa brought me here. 

It ithn’t a nithe plathe—I'm afraid of it— 

It’th all tho lonethome ’n’ tho queer. 

“But I remembered it wath Crithmath eve, 

And hoped you’d find me; though I thought becauthe 
There wath no chimney you might not. But, oh, 

I’m glad you did, Dear Mithter Thanta Clauthe! ” 

Well, Captain Jim escaped—the law, I mean, 

But not a higher power. He was drowned— 

And on his body, near his heart, poor wretch, 

The picture of his baby girl was found. 

And that dear baby girl went home with me, 

And never was a gift more precious given— 

For childless had our home been many years, 

And so she seemed sent to it, straight from Heaven. 


72 


THE PRESTON LIBRARY. 


God's ways are wonderful. From rankest soil 

There often grows a flower sweet and bright. 

But I must go. My time is nearly up. 

A Merry Christmas to you and “Good Night. ” 

SUGGESTIONS. 

Let the reciter personate a policeman, including his “billy.” He 
talks to a newspaper man who makes notes with pencil on tablet, oc¬ 
casionally looking up as if to ask a question. Policeman walks up 
and down stage; frequently stopping to talk to man or audience— 
which he faces as much as possible. Stage may be arranged as in 
pantomime “Christmas Eve in the Street,” p. 32. 


TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


73 


TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

PAGB 

A Christmas Carol.22 

A Christmas Carol.65 

A Christmas Eve Adventure.53 

A Christmas Party.56 

A Distant Carol ..52 

Angelic Song, The.36 

An Old Roundsman’s Story.69 

Around the World with Santa Claus.40 

Children’s Day, The.39 

Children’s Gifts, The.51 

Christmas Bells.4 

Christmas Bells.10 

Christmas Comes but Once a Year.62 

Christmas Eve in the Street.32 

Christmas Guest, The.23 

Christmas Morning. 38 

Christmas Morning.49 

Christmas Shopping.3 

Driver’s Christmas, The.27 

Filling the Stocking.37 

Jack Frost and the Christmas Tree.46 

Kittie to Santa Claus.26 

Lady Judith’s Vision, The.12 

Lament of a Left-Over Doll, The.48 

Merry Christmas.51 

On The Quiet.44 

Prince of Life, The.6 

Snow Angel, The.34 

Story Katie Told, The.8 

Swipsey’s Christmas Dinner.18 

Two Little Stockings, The..60 



































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